Emirates operates charity flight with only vaccinated passengers and crew

Journey was organised to celebrate the UAE's successful immunisation drive

Emirates Airline organised a special flight with only vaccinated passengers and crew onboard. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

An Emirates flight carrying only vaccinated passengers and crew took to the skies on Saturday, to celebrate the success of the UAE's immunisation programme.

The short flight left Dubai International Airport at about midday, returning at about 2.30pm.

Tickets for the landmark flight were Dh1,000 ($272) for economy and Dh2,000 for business class.

All proceeds will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, a non-profit charity organisation that supports projects around the world aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

Passengers were required to present their passports or Emirates IDs, as well as vaccination certificates.

They were to be provided with pre-departure rapid Covid-19 testing and had to abide by physical distancing protocols and wear their masks throughout the journey.

The UAE is moving quickly towards its target of achieving herd immunity.

Since its inoculation drive was launched in December, more than 8.9 million doses of vaccine have been administered to the public.

Vaccination drives are viewed as key to returning the world to normality and easing restrictions on travel.