Emirates will operate scheduled flight services from May 21 to nine destinations.
These include London Heathrow Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne. The airline will also offer connections in Dubai for customers travelling between the UK and Australia.
These flights will be available for booking on the Emirates website. The airline revealed that travellers will only be accepted on these flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries.
This includes approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) for UAE residents who wish to return to Dubai.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said the airline is pleased to resume scheduled passenger services to these destinations.
"We are working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations. We have implemented additional measures at the airport in coordination with the relevant authorities with respect to social distancing and sanitisation.
"The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and communities, remain our top priority," said Al Redha.
In addition to the scheduled services, Emirates will also continue to work closely with embassies and consulates to facilitate repatriation flights for visitors and residents wishing to return home. This week, the airline plans to operate flights from Dubai to Tokyo Narita (May 15 ), Conakry (May 16) and Dakar (May 16).
Safety first
The airline stated that safety and wellbeing of passengers and employees on Emirates’ remained a top priority. In preparation for the resumption of flight services, the airline has enhanced various precautionary measures throughout the customer journey.
At Dubai International airport, customers and employees will have their temperatures checked via thermal scanners. Protective barriers have been installed at check-in counters to provide additional safety during the interaction.
Gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees at the airport. Emirates’ cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff who interact directly with travellers will don personal protective equipment (PPE) including a protective disposable gown and safety visor. Social distancing protocols will also be implemented.
At this airport, this includes physical indicators being placed on the ground and at waiting areas in the airport to ensure travellers maintain a safe distance.
For health and safety reasons and to minimise interaction on board, Emirates will offer a modified in-flight service that focuses on reducing contact and infection risk.
Magazines and print reading material will not be available during this time. Cabin baggage has to be checked-in, and customers can only bring essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items on board. Emirates has initiated a stringent safety programme to ensure aircraft cabins remain clean and sanitary.
The airline’s modern aircraft cabins have been fitted with advanced HEPA air filters which remove 99.97 percent of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens and germs from cabin air for a healthier and safer on-board environment.
After its journey and on landing in Dubai, each aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitation.