ZCZC
BFF-02
UAE-AVIATION-HEALTH
UAE to suspend all passenger flights: state media
DUBAI, March 23, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The United Arab Emirates announced on
Monday it will temporarily suspend all passenger and transit flights amid the
novel coronavirus outbreak.
The Emirati authorities “have decided to suspend all inbound and outbound
passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers in the UAE for two
weeks as part of the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of the
COVID-19”, reported the official state news agency, WAM.
It said the decision — which is subject to review in two weeks — will
take effect in 48 hours, adding: “Cargo and emergency evacuation flights
would be exempt.”
The UAE, whose international airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are major
hubs, announced on Friday its first two deaths from the COVID-19 disease,
having reported more than 150 cases so far.
Monday’s announcement came hours after Dubai carrier Emirates announced it
would suspend all passenger flights by March 25.
But the aviation giant then reversed its decision, saying it “received
requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of
travellers” and will continue to operate passenger flights to 13
destinations.
Emirates had said it will continue to fly to the United Kingdom,
Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan,
Singapore, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, the United States and
Canada.
“We continue to watch the situation closely, and as soon as things allow,
we will reinstate our services,” said the airline’s chairman and CEO, Sheikh
Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.
Gulf countries have imposed various restrictions to combat the spread of
the novel coronavirus pandemic, particularly in the air transport sector.
The UAE has stopped granting visas on arrival and forbidden foreigners who
are legal residents but are outside the country from returning.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0821 hrs