EMIRATES is set to operate a one-way flight from Manila to Dubai to facilitate the return of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) residents of the United Arab Emirates this week.
The one-way flight is scheduled on May 30. The airline said additional flights may be added starting from June 1, subject to approval by the Philippines authorities.
Emirates said those who wish to return to the UAE must meet entry requirements mandated by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and obtain an entry permit online, prior to booking flights.
Once applicants receive approval, flight tickets can be booked online. Only passengers holding a UAE residence permit in addition to an entry permit from the UAE authorities will be allowed to board.
As stringent entry restrictions remain in place upon arrival in Dubai, passengers will be subject to a mandatory Dubai Health Authority test on arrival, a mandatory 14-day quarantine at the passengers’ own expense and a follow up test before release.
Similar to other flights that Emirates has operated thus far, for health and safety reasons, the airline will offer a modified inflight service that reduces contact and the risk of infection. Magazines and print reading material will not be available.
The airline said cabin baggage will not be accepted on these flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin will be limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.
OFWs comprise a large part of the resident population of the UAE. With the resumption of flights to the UAE, Filipinos who were stranded in the Philippines after flights were suspended by the UAE authorities in March will be able to return to their homes, families and livelihoods.
Emirates recently resumed regular scheduled passenger flights between Dubai and nine destinations: London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne.
