Picture used for illustrative purpose.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, confirmed the suspension of all passenger flights from India effective until further notice.

The decision was taken in light of the spike in coronavirus cases in India and the emergence of new COVID variants.

The airline responded to Almas Shaikh’s query and confirmed the news.

Almas asked Emirates, “When will India to Dubai flights resume for vaccinated residents of UAE? Are the flights going to resume from 7th July onwards? 

"Please give us an update at the earliest. We are stranded in India and waiting for the flights to resume since 23rd June.”

Vaccinated Emirates staff aboard an aircraft in Dubai.

Emirates wrote, “Hi Almas. We're yet to receive further updates regarding the new travel protocols.

“We'll announce flight schedules and travel requirements as soon as we have more information. Keep an eye on our travel updates on our website.”

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The airline also responded to queries from a stranded UAE resident, Rishabh Ambadkar, and wrote, “The suspension of our flights from India got extended.”

The UAE aviation authority said that all flights from India are suspended till July 21, while India suspended all international flights till July 31.

Passengers wait for their flight at Delhi International Airport. File

The authorities also said that the suspension would be extended if the situation remains grim.

The airline also said that passengers would not be permitted to travel to the UAE if he/ she has transited through India in the past 14 days.

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

The UAE authorities have approved the Covishield vaccine for Indian travellers. The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is being sold in India under the brand name Covishield.

Following are the vaccines approved by the UAE:

-Sinopharm

-Sputnik V

-AstraZeneca (Covishield)

-Pfizer-Biontech