Emirates resumes flights between Australia and Europe

Emirates has joined rival Etihad is resuming – with conditions – flights between Australia and Europe.

Emirates will impose strict conditions when flights are resumed. Picture: Supplied

Emirates Airlines has joined fellow Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways in resuming services between Australia and Europe via its Dubai hub in the United Arab Emirates.

Emirates will operate scheduled flight services from May 21 to nine destinations from Dubai: Sydney, Melbourne, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago and Toronto.

The airline will also offer connections in Dubai for customers travelling between the UK and Australia.

“We are working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations. We have implemented additional measures at the airport in co-ordination with the relevant authorities in respect to social distancing and sanitisation. The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and communities, remain our top priority,’’ said Emirates chief operating officer Al Redha.

Emirates said travellers, including those from Australia, would only be accepted on these flights if they complied with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. This includes an approval from the Federal Authority for Identify and Citizenship (ICA) for UAE residents who wish to return to Dubai.

“For health and safety reasons and to minimise interaction on-board, Emirates will offer a modified in-flight service that focuses on reducing contact and infection risk. Magazines and print reading material will not be available during this time. Cabin baggage have to be checked-in, and customers can only bring essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items on board,’’ the airline added.

The move comes after Etihad revealed this week it was resuming flights between Melbourne and London via its Abu Dhabi hub from this Friday, with strict hygiene protocols

The airline will also offer London to Melbourne flights via Abu Dhabi from May 21.

Etihad plans to maintain this link until it fully resumes its previous double daily connection between the two cities.