The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Syed Shayaan Bakht, Staff Reporter

Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways have announced the suspension of their flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to British airports, from Friday noon until further notice due to coronavirus pandemic.

The UAE airlines took the decision after Britain banned direct passenger flights to and from the UAE from Friday, shutting down the world's busiest international airline route from Dubai to London.

The flights include: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow airports.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Emirates said, “As directed by the UK government, Emirates will be suspending passenger services between Dubai and all our UK points –  Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, effective 1300hrs GMT on 29 January 2021 until further notice.”

Emirates also said, “ Travellers seeking to enter the UK should refer to the UK government website for the latest information on entry requirements and isolation / quarantine arrangements on arrival.”

Etihad said on its website, “From 1pm (GMT) on 29 January, all flights to the UK will be suspended. If your plans have been affected, we’ll keep your ticket open for you to book whenever you’re ready. You don’t have to contact us straight away to change your flight.”

The travel ban was issued because of worries over the spread of a more contagious and potentially vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa.