UAE reopens airports for transit flights

The UAE has allowed transit flights to operate out of the country's airports.

The announcement was made by Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Al Dhaheri said Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia will operate these flights out of  of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The airlines are expected to release more details in the coming days. 

He added that the decision was based on assessments and studies by NCEMA, as well as health and aviation authorities, and stressed the importance of the UAE as a major international air transit hub.

He also said that strict precautionary measures in place to ensure the safety of passengers must be balanced with meeting the requirements of international travel. 

Meanwhile, Al Dhaheri clarifiied that inbound and outbound flights remain suspended, and only limited flights are currently operating for residents and visitors who wish to leave the country, and inbound flights for returning residents. 

Reacting to the announcement, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO and Chairman of Emirates Group has said that Emirates and flydubai welcome the decision to reopen UAE airports for all connecting travellers. 

We welcome the UAE authorities' decision to re-open UAE airports for all connecting travellers. @Emirates and flydubai will shortly announce the resumption of passenger flights to more cities with connections to, and through, Dubai. @DXB pic.twitter.com/3ZSnagAo29

— HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) June 3, 2020