Emirates to resume passenger flights from Dubai to nine cities on May 21

The Dubai airline will operate flights to Europe, the US, Canada and Australia, but travellers will need approval to return to the UAE

Emirates says it reached its goal of processing half a million refunds by August two months early. Courtesy Emirates

Travellers looking to fly out of the UAE can now book passenger flights to select destinations with Emirates.

The Dubai airline is resuming regular passenger flights to eight countries on Thursday, May 21, just before the Eid Al Fitr holiday. These will be the first regular, non-repatriation flights out of Dubai since March 24.

Emirates flights will leave from Dubai for London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago and Toronto. Flights will also go to Sydney and Melbourne.

The resumption of flights offers passengers travelling between the UK and Australia another connection point in Dubai. Earlier this week, Etihad announced it would begin flying from Melbourne to the UK through Abu Dhabi on Friday, May 15.

Return flights on sale 

Flights are available for booking on the Emirates website, except for travel to Milan – which is still pending government approval – and Australia.

Starting fares are: 

London: Return fares from Dh3,975, daily flights from Thursday, May 21

Paris: Economy class return from Dh4,695, three flights per week starting from Friday, May 22

Madrid: Return tickets start at Dh4,595. Thrice weekly from Friday, May 22

Toronto: Economy class return fares from D7,195. Two flights per week from Friday, May 22

Chicago: Return fares from Dh6,745 in economy class. Twice weekly from Saturday, May 23

Frankfurt: Economy class return from Dh4,135 with three flights per week, starting Saturday, May 23.

UAE travellers need permission to return

For UAE residents flying out of the country, an approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) is required to return to Dubai. Further details can be found on emirates.com. Courtesy Emirates

Travellers will be allowed to board flights only if they comply with the entry criteria and requirements of their destination countries. All travellers are advised to review regulations listed on the website for the International Air Transport Association.

Travellers flying out of the UAE will need to apply for approval to return to the country.

"All travellers will only be accepted on the select flights announced if they meet the entry requirements of the destination country. UAE residents wishing to return to Dubai will also need ICA approval," said a spokesperson for Emirates.

“We are pleased to resume scheduled passenger services to these destinations, providing more options for customers to travel from the UAE to these cities, and also between the UK and Australia,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates' chief operating officer.

More destinations expected

The airline is also planning to increase its service soon.

"We are working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations," Al Redha said.

Repatriation flights continue

Emirates will continue social distancing on passenger flights and where possible, seats will be pre-allocated with vacant seats placed between individual passengers or family groups. Crew and passengers must wear face masks on all flights. Courtesy Emirates

Emirates will continue to operate repatriation flights for travellers attempting to fly back to their home countries or wishing to return to the UAE.

The airline is operating repatriation flights from Dubai to Japan, Guinea and Senegal this week: read our full guide to repatriation flights here.

Passengers who wish to book travel back to the UAE must be a resident or citizen and have approval from the Federal Authority for Identify and Citizenship.

Repatriation flights and regular passenger services will be operated under strict social-distancing guidelines and with enhanced sanitation policies. Travellers must wear face masks on all flights.