Emirates Airlines has opened repatriation flights to Dubai from Europe, and Etihad Airways introduces new flights inbound to Abu Dhabi
10 May 2020
| Last updated on 14 May 2020![Return Flights Launched for UAE Residents Stranded Abroad Return Flights Launched for UAE Residents Stranded Abroad](https://cdn.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/repatriation flights for UAE residents main.jpg)
Both of the UAE's leading airlines have arranged and launched return flights to the UAE for residents stranded abroad...
Are you or someone you know stuck abroad? A number of UAE residents worldwide have found themselves unable to return to the country due to the now restricted travel borders.
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the closure of many borders across the globe, with the international flight network suspending its commercial services.
The good news is that now, both Dubai's Emirates Airlines and Abu Dhabi's Etihad have introduced limited return flights for UAE residents in locations such as London, Frankfurt, Melbourne, and Singapore as well as others.
SEE ALSO: A Complete Guide to Repatriation Flights from the UAE.
With Emirates, the special service inbound flights are only available via Frankfurt Airport and London Heathrow to Dubai International Airport from May 10.
Whereas Etihad Airways has re-opened inbound flights to Abu Dhabi for stranded UAE residents across several dates and locations. From May 9, the airline company will be operating a limited number of flights to Abu Dhabi from major cities across the globe, including from London, Tokyo, Manila, and Amsterdam.
However, before booking a flight with either airline, interested passengers must first apply for approval through the UAE Twajudi Resident service, at https://www.mofaic.gov.ae
According to Etihad Airways, “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 center to book your flight to return to the UAE," the airline company added.
The same applies to repatriation flights via Emirates Airlines. UAE residents are also required to receive approval from the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship via the Twajudi Resident service prior to booking a ticket.
How can I book a repatriation flight to the UAE?
Tickets can only be booked online through the Emirates and Etihad website and are non-refundable. The destination also cannot be changed.
Seats are limited due to the mandatory empty middle seat and social distancing between passengers. Online check-ins and seat selection are not available for these flights.
Mandatory rules to follow on arrival
Interested passengers coming back to the UAE must follow local health authorities’ entry rules for incoming flyers, including a mandatory DHA test on arrival, 14-day self-quarantine, and follow-up test.
Emirates Airlines flights to Dubai schedule
If you're a UAE resident planning on booking a flight back to Dubai, these are the available flights from London and Frankfurt:
- Frankfurt: Flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from May 11
- London: Flights every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from May 10
Etihad Airways flights to Abu Dhabi schedule
If you're a UAE resident considering booking a flight to the capital, these are the available flights from the following major cities:
- Amsterdam: May 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29
- Barcelona: May 14, 17, 24 and 31
- Frankfurt: May 17, 24 and 31
- Jakarta: May 15 and 29
- Kuala Lumpur: May 23 and 30
- London:May 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30
- Manila: May 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30
- Melbourne: May 13, 20 and 27
- Seoul: May 22 and 29
- Singapore: May 20 and 27
- Tokyo: May 20 and 27
- Toronto:May 12