Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SHP)
Abu Dhabi, Jan 26: In the view of the deadly outbreak of coronavirus in China, Etihad Airways is waiving off rebooking and cancellation fees for tickets to and from mainland China.
The waiver applies for tickets issued on or before January 24 for travel with Etihad Airways to or from mainland China between January 24 and February 29, 2020.
In a report by Khaleej Times, an Etihad spokesperson was quoted as saying, "Etihad Airways is also waiving rebooking and refund charges for tickets issued on or before January 24, 2020, for travel to or from mainland China between January 24 and February 29, 2020. Guests who would like to make changes or cancel their Etihad flights should do so by calling our contact centre in the UAE on +971 600 555 666 or in China on (+86) 400882 2050, or by contacting their travel agent in case they have not booked their travel with Etihad directly."
To exercise caution, UAE airports are taking precautionary measures by screening passengers arriving on direct flights from China.
"Following a meeting of all key stakeholders, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health directed that thermal camera screening procedures be introduced for passengers and crew on all flights arriving from China. Dedicated gates will be assigned at Abu Dhabi International Airport for flights arriving from China, and freight aircraft arriving from China will use specific parking bays where their crews will be screened in the same way as passengers," the spokesperson added.
In its official Twitter account, Abu Dhabi Airports wrote, "Abu Dhabi International Airport has started a screening process for passengers arriving from China to ensure the health and safety of all of our travellers."