UAE extends India flight restrictions amid Covid-19 surge

Aviation authorities give no date when services will resume

Passengers arriving on international flights get their Covid-19 coronavirus screening done at the Anna International airport in Chennai on April 28, 2021. AFP

The UAE has extended the suspension of entry for travellers from India on all flights on national and foreign carriers, as well as for transit passengers coming from India.

This decision includes extending the suspension of entry for travellers who were in India in the 14-day period prior to arrival in the UAE.

Officials previously halted flights until May 14.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation, which announced the extension on Tuesday, gave no date for when services would resume.

It listed a number of exemptions including UAE citizens, those on diplomatic missions, official delegations, those travelling on business planes, and golden residence holders.

These groups will be subject to precautionary measures that include a 10-day quarantine and PCR testing at the airport and on the fourth and eighth days after entering the country.

The authority reminded exempted travellers the PCR test must be valid 48 hours and not 72 hours before the flight. The test results should carry a QR code and be conducted by an accredited laboratory.

Cargo flights continue to operate between the two nations.

Civil aviation authorities said Indians coming to the UAE from other countries should carry proof of stay in those nations for at least 14 days.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said it supported the people and government of India and wished Covid-19 patients a speedy recovery.

The ministry said the nation’s friendship with India was based on historical links, shared respect and understanding.

The UAE continues to show solidarity with India during these challenging times.

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