UAE announces reopening of airports

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE has announced the reopening of airports across the country for transit flights and repatriation of Emiratis, and residents stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, and Air Arabia would operate the limited numbers of flights.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman, Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said on Twitter,  “We welcome the UAE authorities' decision to re-open UAE airports for all connecting travellers. Emirates and Flydubai will shortly announce the resumption of passenger flights to more cities with connections to, and through, Dubai.”

The decision was announced on Wednesday during the UAE government press briefing that also announced the number of Covid-19 cases in the UAE.

 A health worker scans passengers at the airport.

Dr Saif Juma Al Dhaheri, Spokesman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), said the UAE has taken additional steps towards restoring normalcy by allowing some of the country's airports to permit the transfer and transit of passengers from other international ports.

"The decision includes Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport, and covers Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, and Air Arabia," he said, noting that these carriers would announce details on their operations in the coming days.

"The decision has been made following a holistic review by a number of national authorities, including NCEMA, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the health sector."