Covid-19 forces Emirates to suspend most of its passenger services
Effective March 25, Emirates will temporarily suspend most of its passenger operations, and continue its SkyCargo services by deploying its fleet of B777Fs for the transport of essential goods including medical supplies across the world.
March 23, 2020: Effective March 25, Emirates will temporarily suspend most of its passenger operations, and continue its SkyCargo services by deploying its fleet of B777Fs for the transport of essential goods including medical supplies across the world.
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, Emirates and dnata have been adapting operations in line with regulatory directives as well as travel demand.
The airline has aimed to maintain passenger flights for as long as feasible to help travellers return home amidst an increasing number of travel bans, restrictions, and country lockdowns across the world.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Group said, “The world has literally gone into quarantine due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Until January 2020, the Emirates Group was doing well against our current financial year targets. But Covid-19 has brought all that to a sudden and painful halt over the past 6 weeks. By 25 March, although we will still operate cargo flights which remain busy, Emirates will have temporarily suspended most of its passenger operations. We continue to watch the situation closely, and as soon as things allow, we will reinstate our services."
Having received requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of travellers, Emirates will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to few countries and territories until further notice, as long as borders remain open, and there is demand. The countries include the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, US, and Canada.
Over the past weeks, the airline has also implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures on all of its aircraft departing Dubai as a precaution, and worked closely with airports to implement screening measures as required by the local authorities.
Saeed Al Maktoum said, “These are unprecedented times for the airline and travel industry, but we will get through it. Our business is taking a hit, but what matters, in the long run, is that we do the right thing for our customers, our employees, and the communities we serve. With the support and unity that we have seen from our employees, partners, customers, and other stakeholders, I’m confident that Emirates can tackle this challenge and come out stronger.”