Emirates prepares to start up services again from 6th April

It seems that Emirates is ready to restart some services, with the airline gaining authorisation to carry passengers on certain flights.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER taxing at Hamburg Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond

Once again, the Emirates will take to air on from the 6th of April.

However, it will be a limited service.

The airline plans to operate the following flights to Europe

• London Heathrow – 4 times a week
• Frankfurt – 3 times a week
• Paris – 3 times a week
• Brussels – 3 times a week
• Zurich – 3 times a week

All flights will operate from Dubai International airport Terminal 2 until further notice. The flights will carry only carry outbound passengers from the UAE. Meanwhile, the cargo bellies on these flights will be available in both directions.

The aircraft will be operated by Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a two-class configuration – offering both Business Class and Economy Class. Magazines and reading materials will not be provided, whilst food and beverages will continue to be offered onboard, packaging and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service.

Also, Emirates’ Lounge and Chauffeur Drive services will not be available.

When the aircraft return to Dubai, they will undergo enhanced cleaning and disinfection after each journey.

Flights can be booked by passengers on www.emirates.com. Travel restrictions are in place at these destinations, and travellers are urged to check entry criteria before they fly

In Quotes

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group

“These initial passenger services, although limited to travellers who meet the entry requirements set by the destination countries, will be welcomed by our customers seeking to return home to their countries and families. We would like to thank the UAE government and all our partners for their support in ensuring the smooth operation of our flights.

“While we hope to resume full operations as soon as possible, we acknowledge the challenges faced by many cities in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. Our network can only be restored with the easing of travel restrictions, and we maintain close contact with all authorities for latest updates. We are working closely with the authorities to resume our services, keeping in mind the safety and wellbeing of our crew and customers at every step of the journey. We continuously review the situation and will announce any additional services as they become available.”

Opinion: Allowing those to return home, whilst keeping cargo flowing

With the need to transport items via the belly of an aircraft, cargo operations have become the one thing airlines need to continue doing during this crisis. Being able to ferry nationals of other countries home at this time is just useful money on the side at this time.

With countries adapting to life under COVID-19, keeping some flow of traffic is helpful – and allowing those who need to return to their homelands seems a sensible thing to offer at this time.

As to a larger network opening… we’ll have to wait until there is a little normality in the world.

That could be some time to come.

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