Emirates is the largest airline in the Middle East and has introduced another reason to fly with them. Emirates has announced that they will cover passengers for COVID-19 related quarantine and medical expenses costs. This is a free service. This offer does not apply for travel to any destination against Foreign Office advice, including Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates group chairman and CEO said on Twitter, “Emirates will be the first airline to offer free cover for COVID-19 medical costs for customers when they travel to and from UAE and around the world. This will boost travel confidence and once again positions Emirates and Dubai at aviation industry leaders”.
Should a passenger be diagnosed with the disease they can claim up to EUR 150,000 in medical expenses and up to EUR 100 per day for 14 days quarantine costs.
CEO also said “We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually reopen, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel. It is an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this initiative”.
Emirates made testing mandatory for all transit and inbound passengers from August 1st until 30th October 2020. Like most airlines, the carrier halted operations in March. By Mid-august it plans to fly to 58 of its 150 cities worldwide. This new policy is an attempt to offer a worry-free journey to its travellers. Even though the airline could lay off up to 15% of its staff and admits it could take up to 4 years for operations to return to some degree of normality.