UAE flight suspensions: 14 countries from where passengers can't fly in

In the wake of the second wave of Covid sweeping multiple countries around the world, the General Authority of Civil Aviation in the UAE has banned flights to and/or from the UAE and certain high-risk countries. In line with UAE directives, Emirates and Etihad Airways have both suspended flights from:

1. India

Passenger flights from India are suspended until July 6, according to Etihad, a suspension that was first implemented on April 24. Furthermore, passengers who have transited through India in the last 14 days will not be accepted to travel from any other point to the UAE. Only UAE nationals, holders of UAE Golden Visas and members of diplomatic missions who comply with the revised published Covid protocols will be exempt for travel.

However, Dubai carrier Emirates Airlines has confirmed on June 19 that it will begin accepting Dubai-bound passengers from India effective June 23. Entry will be permitted to residents who have received two doses of UAE-approved vaccines. All travellers are also required to present a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 48 hours before departure; UAE citizens are exempted. Read more about the rules here.

2. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka

Flights from the four countries were suspended as of 11:59pm on May 12 until further notice. Passengers who have connected through Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days will not be accepted to travel from any other point to the UAE. Only UAE Nationals, holders of UAE Golden Visas and members of diplomatic missions who comply with updated Covid protocols will be exempt for travel.

UAE passenger entry ban from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka extended until at least July 7: Etihad

3. Nigeria

Emirates announced the suspension of flights to and from Nigeria from June 21 on Monday. This came after authorities in Dubai had eased restrictions on flights from the country on June 19.

“In line with government directives, passenger flights to and from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) are suspended with effect from 21 June 2021 until further notice,” it said in a statement.

4. South Africa

Etihad’s flights from South Africa have been suspended from May 5 until June 30. Those who have been to or connected through South Africa in the last 14 days will not be permitted on any flights bound for the UAE.

Emirates on Monday said flights from South Africa will remain suspended until July 6. This came after authorities in Dubai had eased restrictions on flights from the country on June 19. Daily passenger flights to Johannesburg will operate as EK763, however, outbound passenger services on EK764 remain suspended.

5. Vietnam

Both airlines suspended the carriage of passengers from Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) to the UAE, effective 11:59pm on June 5 until further notice. Only certain categories of travellers were exempt from this rule, including:

a)    UAE nationals and their first degree relatives arriving from Vietnam;