Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi (MS)

Abu Dhabi, Jan 9: As the Omicron virus scare surges, Emirates airlines has suspended passenger services from 13 countries. This includes six African nations while from seven others one way service is suspended.

According to the announcement on its official website the airline said that it will not allow transit or entry through Dubai to passengers from Republics of Angola, Guinea, Kenya, united republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Ethiopia.

The airlines also said that it has cancelled all to and fro flights from Cote d Ivoire, Lusaka, Harare, Lagos, Abuja and Casablanca.

The announcement is effective from January 5. The airlines also said that the passengers who have already booked flights from these countries need not contact for immediate rebooking. It said that passengers can hold on to their ticket or cancel it and rebook later.

There are certain exemptions, however, mentioned in the announcement of the airlines. UAE citizens or their first degree relatives, diplomatic missions, official delegations and golden visa holders are exempted from the restrictions. They need to submit a Covid-19 negative report within 48 hours of departure and a rapid PCR test at airport six hours prior to flying. One more PCR test will be done at airport at UAE. In addition, 10 day quarantine and PCR test on ninth day after entering is mandatory for all of these people.