Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad Airways has extended its flight suspension from India until Aug.2.

Etihad Help desk made the statement on Twitter.The airline responded to a traveller from India.

Zahoor Sardar asked Etihad, “Is the extension from India is further extended after 31 July?”

Etihad responded, “We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities. You may not see availability on the website because of the schedule uncertainty. *Sky…”

The flights from India and certain Asian countries remain suspended due to the spike in coronavirus cases and the emergence of Delta variant.

However, Emiratis, Golden Visas holders and diplomatic missions’ staff would be allowed to travel if they agree to the latest travel measures.

These are the 8 categories of people who can enter UAE despite suspension of flights

—Expo 2020 participants and exhibitors

—Emiratis and their relatives

—Golden Visa holders

—Diplomatic mission staff

—Official delegations after obtaining prior approval from the UAE government.

—Cargo and transit flight crew of foreign companies holding a valid PCR test. PCR test is valid when it is showing a negative result and meets the required public health protocol. The test is performed within 48 hours before flight to the UAE.

—Businessmen and businesswomen, provided they hold an approval from the General Authority for the Security of Ports, Borders and Free Zones, and heads of higher committees of the emergency, crisis and disaster management teams of the Emirate concerned.

—Persons with important functions according to the classification of the Federal Office of Personality and Citizenship.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi has made PCR tests mandatory. 

The emergency teams announced the adoption of updated procedures to enter the emirate.

The authorities approved allowing entry to the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a negative result of PCR tests, and within 24 hours of receiving a negative result of the examination of the DPI.

Persons who entered the emirate with a negative PCR test result are required to perform a PCR examination on the fourth day in the event of a stay of 4 consecutive days or more.