Emirates expects to resume flights to all destinations by summer 2021

The Dubai airline is hoping to serve a network of 143 destinations within a year, says its chief operating officer

Emirates will operate its full network of 143 destinations by summer 2021, according to its chief operating officer. Courtesy Emirates 

Emirates aims to be back to full capacity by next summer, serving its pre-Covid-19 network of 143 destinations.

The Dubai airline's chief operating officer, Adel Al Redha, said this week that the frequency of flights may fluctuate, but Emirates was hopeful all destinations would be served by that time.

"I think we can easily say by summer 2021, we will be serving 100 per cent of our network destinations, that means 143 destinations will be served by summer 2021," he told CNBC.

"Obviously, the frequency of flights per day will depend on the demand and some of the restrictions."

Emirates has continued to resume operations after flights were grounded in March as part of safety measures introduced to contain the spread of coronavirus.

As of September, the airline will have resumed flights to 75 destinations, over half its pre-Covid network.

"I wouldn’t say the worst is behind us, but definitely it is a positive trend. If I compare our performance now with a month ago, we have almost doubled the number of passengers we have been carrying onboard our aircraft, as transit or terminating in Dubai," said Al Redha.

Emirates has introduced a number of health and safety measures to protect customers and crew.

All travellers on Emirates flights are given complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes. Face masks must be worn throughout the duration of every flight.

Pre-flight Covid tests and health insurance

Those flying to Dubai from any destination must have a Covid-19 PCR test before travelling. This applies to UAE citizens, residents and tourists.

It also applies to transit passengers who do not plan to leave the airport.

Emirates is also offering free cover for Covid-19-related costs to all travellers on any flight departing between now and October 31.

Valid for 31 days from the first sector of each journey, it covers travellers for medical costs, quarantine expenses and repatriation costs if they have the virus diagnosed when travelling.

The cover does not extend to Covid-19 tests and all travellers flying to the UAE must be tested for the virus before flying, from approved clinics where available. Some visitors will undergo secondary tests for the virus at Dubai International Airport.

More information and the flight schedule can be found at emirates.com

Click through the gallery below to see the routes Emirates will fly to in August: