The website for UAE airline Etihad Airways displays a message, informing passengers about the aforementioned date when searched for flights to the UAE from Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
The website further stated that those who have traveled to these countries in the last 14 days would also not be allowed to enter the UAE. The only exemptions to this are if you are a diplomat or a UAE national or a Golden Visa holder. Your PCR test, in this case, must be taken a maximum of 48 hours before your flight departure,” said Etihad.
However, the report stated, the cargo flights will remain unaffected.
The UAE had first suspended entry for travelers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka on national and foreign flights on May 12. According to the report, flights will continue to show as available for the above destinations in the flight search as exempted passengers are still allowed to fly to the UAE.
Read More: Popular blogger from UAE, Khalid Al Ameri, tours Pakistan
Pakistan has also complained earlier that many citizens were returning home from the Gulf Arab state infected with Covid-19 and that the poor conditions for workers in the UAE could be a factor in spreading the virus.
Till now, Dubai-based Emirate’s website maintains that the carriage of passengers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will remain suspended “until further notice” and no update regarding the extension has been made.
On the other hand, UAE General Authority of Civil Aviation (GCAA) has put forward a fresh list of safety protocols for passenger and private business charter flights arriving from countries that are currently facing incoming travelers’ ban.
The stringent regulations apply to all aircraft operators conducting flights from and to the UAE from the following countries – Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Zambia.”