Covid-19: Etihad Airways to resume some passenger flights from April 5

Etihad Airways had announced suspension of all flights departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport for two weeks on March 25, subject to further directives by the relevant authorities.

Abu Dhabi - The news follows Emirates' announcement that it has received approval to start limited services from April 6.

By Web report

Published: Sat 4 Apr 2020, 12:59 AM

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways said late on Thursday evening that it intends to resume normal scheduled flights to seven key international destinations from April 5.
The airline has been largely grounded since March 25 after officials banned commercial passengers flights to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Seoul Incheon will be the first destination served once flights resume with Melbourne, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta and Amsterdam following shortly after.
Etihad said these flights were subject to government approval and did not provide a timescale for when these services might actually start.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said specific flights were being granted permission so foreigners could leave the UAE. It added that suspension of regular passenger services, such as transit, remained in place.
Etihad says it has been operating special repatriation flights over the last week "which have allowed stranded passengers to return home".
Etihad has also used these flights to bring back fresh food to the UAE, which depends on air freight as part of its Food Security Program.
In a written statement, Etihad said of its repatriation flight programme: "All of these operations have been approved by the UAE Government and we continue to work closely with the authorities on the continuation of these types of operations, with a view to expanding the number of flights on the basis of approaches from a number of foreign governments

Etihad Airways Plan to Resume Normal Scheduled Service to Seven Destinations from April 5 https://t.co/p3DMkclu2Q via @yourownkanoo pic.twitter.com/nzy8ez4qFX
- BoardingArea (@BoardingArea) April 2, 2020

The news that Etihad will resume flights before the end of an official two-week passenger flight ban emerged several hours after Emirates said it had won approval to start limited services from April 6.
Initial flights will commence from Dubai to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich, with four flights a week to London Heathrow, and three flights a week to the other cities.
Operating from Dubai International airport Terminal 2 until further notice, these flights will only carry outbound passengers from the UAE.
Emirates will also carry belly-hold cargo in both directions, supporting trade and communities with the transport of essential goods.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group said: "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."

Emirates has received UAE government approvals to operate passenger flights to certain cities. Initial flights from 6 April to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich and Brussels will only carry passengers outbound from Dubai. @DXB https://t.co/sRCpfiuzer 1/3 pic.twitter.com/RfbWgL9YW2
- Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 2, 2020

Emirates will operate its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on these routes, offering seats in Business and Economy class. Flights can be booked by eligible passengers on www.emirates.com.
Travel restrictions are in place at these destinations, and travellers are urged to check entry criteria before they fly.

For health and safety reasons, Emirates will operate a modified inflight service programme on these flights. Magazines and other print reading material will not be available, and while food and beverages will continue to be offered on board, packaging and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service Emirates' Lounge and Chauffeur Drive services will be temporarily unavailable during this period.

All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.