The UAE authorities gave a green light for Emirates to start reinstating passenger flights starting from April 6, 2020. However, the resumption of flights in the airline’s full capacity will still have to wait.
Emirates were granted approval by the country’s authorities to resume a “limited number” of passenger flights, mostly out of the UAE, announced Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority president and Emirates Airline and Group chairman via social media on April 2, 2020.
“Over time, Emirates looks forward to the gradual resumption of passenger services in line with lifting of travel & operational restrictions, including assurance of health measures to safeguard our people & customers,” added Al Maktoum.
Amidst the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates was forced to cease passenger flights from March 25, 2020. At the time, the airline found itself in a situation where they could not viably operate passenger services until countries re-opened their borders and travel confidence returned, Al Maktoum was cited in the company’s statement explaining.
As of April 2, 2020, 228 aircraft in the carrier’s 269-strong fleet remain parked. Still in service are 11 Boeing 777 freighters, 29 777-300s and an Airbus A319, planespotters.net data indicated. All 115 company’s A380 remain grounded.