Emirates resumes services to Pakistan, passengers need negative Covid-19 test result from approved lab

Dubai's flagship airline Emirates has resumed services to Pakistan's three main cities after temporary suspension because certain passengers tested positive for Covid-19.

However, all the passengers coming from Pakistan to Dubai on Emirates flights must carry a negative Covid-19 report from an approved laboratory issued within 96 hours of the journey.

"Following the receipt of relevant government approvals, Emirates has resumed passenger services to Pakistan. Customers can travel to and from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad if they meet the requirements of their destination," an Emirates spokesperson said in a statement to Khaleej Times.

"The health and safety of our crew, customers and communities remains our top priority. Emirates has put in place a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey on the ground and in the air to minimise the risk of infection spread," said the statement.

On June 20, around 26 passengers on an Emirates flight to Hong Kong tested positive for Covid-19. These passengers had travelled from Pakistan and transited through Dubai and then boarded the second Emirates flight to Hong Kong.

Passengers need to carry negative Covid-19 test results from Chughtai Labs, which has presence in most major cities across Pakistan. However, kids under 12 are exempted from the PCR test provided they are travelling with their parents, who have negative test results.

The local carrier said on its website that all passengers will need to wear masks at all times throughout the flight.

"If you're flying into Dubai, we'll give you a hygiene kit on board containing a mask, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes. We're taking every precaution to mitigate the contact in the cabin, including closing our social areas. We're following all the guidance from the health and aviation authorities along with our additional safety measures to reduce the risk of infection on board," said the airline.

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com