Covid-19: Masks not mandatory on board all 4 UAE airlines except to some destinations

Mask wearing on Emirates, Etihad and flydubai flights is not a mandatory requirement for passengers anymore, the UAE-based airlines have confirmed.

"Wearing a face mask is optional in the UAE and on Emirates flights. If you are travelling from or transiting through Dubai International, the mask rules of your destination will apply throughout your journey," Emirates said on its website.

This means that if a passenger's destination requires masks to be worn, the airline will implement the rule.

Etihad Airways, too, has relaxed its rules around masks on board, the airline said in a statement.

"Masks are optional and will only be required for passengers flying to China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Philippines, South Korea, Seychelles or *Canada (*until 30 September only)," it said.

A spokesperson for budget carrier flydubai told Khaleej Times that it has updated its Covid-19 protocols following the directives issued by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).

"Effective from September 28, 2022, face masks will be optional for passengers travelling to Dubai. Passengers travelling from or transiting through Dubai will be requested to wear a face mask if it is required at their final destination," the spokesperson said.

The move came after authorities in the UAE eased most Covid safety rules. Mask-wearing inside flights is no longer a requirement, but airlines can enforce the rule if they deem it necessary.

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