The threat of COVID-19 forced majority of the airlines to be closed but after almost three weeks, Etihad Airways has finally announced that it will be resuming limited one-way flights to Abu Dhabi from tomorrow (May 9th).
An official was quoted saying:
From May 9, 2020, we’ll be operating limited one-way flights to Abu Dhabi to help residents return to the UAE.
Although the airline has resumed its operations, anyone seeking to fly must comply with strict rules and regulations that have been in place.
Rules to Follow
If you are flying back then you must apply for ICA approval via the UAE Twajudi Resident service, available at MoFAIC.gov.ae, before making any bookings.
In order to book a flight, you should get ICA approval and also contact the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on their local number which is listed on their website at www.etihad.com/contacts.
Etihad Airlines said:
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a unique ICA approval number, which you will have to provide to our agents when you book. When your ICA approval has been received, please call our contact centre to book your flight to return to the UAE.
The first flight which is inbound is coming from London today on Saturday.
Inbound Flight Schedule
- Amsterdam: May 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29 (EY 78)
- Barcelona: May 14, 17, 24 and 31 (EY 50)
- Frankfurt: May 17, 24 and 31 (EY 8)
- Jakarta: May 15 and 29 (EY 475)
- Kuala Lumpur: May 23 and 30 (EY 411)
- London: May 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30 (EY 20)
- Manila: May 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30 (EY 423)
- Melbourne: May 13, 20 and 27 (EY 463)
- Seoul: May 22 and 29 (EY 873)
- Singapore: May 20 and 27 (EY 473)
- Tokyo: May 20 and 27 (EY 871)
- Toronto: May 12 (EY 140)
The airlines has stated that they are working in close coordination with the UAE government to ensure a safe and smooth transition where the flights are resumed again.
As a precaution, the airline further added:
You will not be permitted to enter the UAE otherwise. All guests will undertake PCR and thermal testing when they arrive into Abu Dhabi, and are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Emphasis on Hygiene
Although the operations have resumed, the airline has emphasised on people to continue practicing distancing whenever possible; in the airport and so forth.
In addition to that, Etihad Airways management also stated that everyone should also be paying extra attention to hygiene; wearing masks, gloves, and utilising hand sanitisers.
On board, we’ll make sure you are seated with as much space as possible between every guest, and we’ll offer our food and drinks service in line with important COVID-19 guidelines. When you land, temperature screening is in operation at Abu Dhabi airport, and you’ll be asked to wait two metres apart from other guests at all queuing points. When you arrive in the UAE, you must self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
