UK bans direct flights from the UAE
London, 29th January: The United Kingdom has banned direct flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Baaghi TV: According to reports, Britain is banning direct passenger flights from the UAE from Friday, closing the world’s busiest international airline route from Dubai to London.
As per reports from Dawn News, Britain is adding the UAE, Burundi and Rwanda to its coronavirus travel ban list because of the spread of a more contagious and potentially vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variant which was first identified in South Africa.
UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps said on Twitter on Thursday, “This means people who have been in or transited through these countries will be denied entry, except British, Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights who must self-isolate for ten days at home.”
This means people who have been in or transited through these countries will be denied entry, except British, Irish and third country nationals with residence rights who must self-isolate for ten days at HOME. 2/3
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) January 28, 2021
He wrote, “From tomorrow (Friday 29 Jan at 1 pm), we’re extending our travel ban with the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda all added to the UK’s red list.”
Emirates Airline informed on its website that it would suspend all UK passenger flights from 1300 GMT when the ban takes effect.
Etihad Airways said it would only stop flights to Britain, with those from the UK remaining unaffected.
Dubai airport advised in a statement released that those booked on flights due to arrive in Britain after the ban should not go to the airport and instead contact their airline.
As per reports, Britain’s transport department advised nationals now in the UAE that they should use indirect commercial routes to fly back to Britain.
Airline data provider OAG said that after the border closures caused by COVID-19, Dubai to London became world’s busiest international route in January, with 190,365 scheduled seats over the month.
Emirates and Etihad usually carry large numbers of passengers connecting from Britain to destinations like Australia through their airport hubs, which means that the decision to cancel those flights will have widespread consequences.
The Australian government announced it will add more charter flights from Britain if required after the cancellations of the Emirates and Etihad flights.
People stranded in Britain have complained that the options for getting home were continually shrinking for them, as they are left with only three options of flying; Qatar, ANA or Singapore Airlines. The flights are also becoming expensive.
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for all the latest news and updates!
