Emirates resumes passenger services to Pakistan

Emirates airline has resumed services to Pakistan's three main cities after temporary suspension because certain passengers tested positive for Covid-19.

The UAE airline Emirates has added back Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore destinations to its July network.

However, all the passengers coming from Pakistan to Dubai on Emirates flights must carry a negative Covid-19 report from an approved laboratory issued within 96 hours of the journey.

The decision came to resume passenger services to Pakistan after relevant government approvals. Customers can now travel to and from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad if they meet the requirements of their destination.

Emirates said the health and safety of our crew, customers and communities remains their top priority, therefore, it has put in place a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey on the ground and in the air to minimise the risk of infection spread.

On June 20, around 26 passengers on an Emirates flight to Hong Kong tested positive for Covid-19. These passengers had travelled from Pakistan and transited through Dubai and then boarded the second Emirates flight to Hong Kong.

Passengers need to carry negative Covid-19 test results from Chughtai Labs, which has presence in most major cities across Pakistan. However, kids under 12 are exempted from the PCR test provided they are travelling with their parents, who have negative test results.

The local carrier said on its website that all passengers will need to wear masks at all times throughout the flight.

"If you're flying into Dubai, we'll give you a hygiene kit on board containing a mask, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes. We're taking every precaution to mitigate the contact in the cabin, including closing our social areas. We're following all the guidance from the health and aviation authorities along with our additional safety measures to reduce the risk of infection on board," said the airline.

Emirates has also resumed on-ground services for premium customers such as signature Chauffeur Drive service and airport lounge at Dubai from 1 July, following a full health and safety review.

Emirates resumes on-ground services for premium customers such as signature Chauffeur Drive service and airport lounge at @DXB from 1 July, following a full health and safety review. https://t.co/kbICBuQhIJ#FlySaferWithEmirates pic.twitter.com/UuekR0wVsJ

— Emirates (@emirates) June 30, 2020