Fly Emirates reverses earlier decision to suspend passenger flights

Many countries have halted flights and closed their borders in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. /Photo: Fly Emirates - Twitter

Fly Emirates will continue flights to some countries, a reversal of an earlier announcement that it would halt all passenger flights starting Wednesday, the airline has announced.

The United Arab Emirates' carrier said it had received requests from some countries not to halt passenger operations.

"Having received requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of travellers, Emirates will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to the following countries and territories until further notice, as long as borders remain open, and there is demand: the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, USA, and Canada," Fly Emirates said in a statement.

Th airline announced earlier on Sunday that it's decision to suspend all passenger flights was prompted by the closure of borders by many countries across the world.

"We continue to watch the situation closely, and as soon as things allow, we will reinstate our services," the airline said.

The airline's chairman allayed fears that the company risked running out of business due to the current situation.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group said: "Emirates Group has a strong balance sheet, and substantial cash liquidity, and we can, and will, with appropriate and timely action, survive through a prolonged period of reduced flight schedules, so that we are adequately prepared for the return to normality."

Many countries have halted flights and closed their borders in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. Global cases have exceeded 311,000 globally, prompting governments to take drastic measures, including limiting public gatherings and imposing total lockdowns.

Source(s): Fly Emirates