Dubai-based Emirates Airline has stepped back from its initial move Sunday to suspend all passenger flights due to the coronavirus crisis after facing pressure from governments.
Instead, it will temporarily suspend “most” passenger flights by March 25.
With flights still operating to several destinations based on demand and border accessibility.
Having receiving requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of travellers, Emirates will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to the following countries until further notice, as long as borders remain open, and there is demand: the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, USA, and Canada. a company statement said Sunday.
The situation remains dynamic, and travellers can check flight status on emirates.com.
The company added South Korea to that list shortly after issuing the statement.
Having received requests from governments & customers to support repatriation of travellers, Emirates will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to few countries until further notice, as long as borders remain open, and there is demand. https://t.co/x7Y9XUOaAW 2/5 pic.twitter.com/k0nM8TRDHL
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) March 22, 2020
The news comes amid mounting national lockdowns, border closures and flight groundings as coronavirus cases climb around the world.