Only Filipinos can fly to Cebu on Emirates until January 3

The Dubai airline has issued a new travel advisory, which comes into effect on Thursday

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  People queue to board a humanitarian flight out of Siargao airport, days after Typhoon Rai hit Siargao island. AFP

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  The damage caused by Typhoon Rai, in Surigao City. Reuters

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  Filipinos hit by Typhoon Rai gather as relief goods are distributed in Surigao City. Reuters

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  A house in Surigao City is rebuilt after being damaged by the typhoon. Reuters

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  The damage caused by Typhoon Rai, in Surigao City in the province of Surigao del Norte. Reuters

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  Motorists drive past fallen lamp posts following Typhoon Rai. Reuters

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  This sports complex on Siargao island was being used as an evacuation centre when its roof collapsed due to Typhoon Rai. AP Photo

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  Clothes left to dry on a damaged tree following the typhoon. Reuters

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  Philippine Coast Guard personnel unload packs of relief goods for victims of Typhoon Rai, in the city of Bacolod. Reuters

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  Metal sheets are wrapped around electrical posts after being blown around by Typhoon Rai in Cebu province. AP Photo

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  Water bottles are lined up for residents after pipelines were damaged in Cebu, central Philippines. AP Photo

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  Cebu residents pass electrical posts toppled by Typhoon Rai. AP Photo

Entry into Cebu in the Philippines from Dubai has been restricted only to Cebuano Overseas Filipino Workers and returning Filipinos, according to a travel advisory from Emirates Airline.

As of Thursday, entry into the province will be restricted, as per a directive from local authorities.

“No other nationality is permitted to travel on these flights,” said Emirates.

“If you need to change your booking and you booked through a travel agent please contact them. If you booked directly with Emirates please contact your local Emirates office."

The move is in response to skyrocketing hotel rates, as Cebu residents, who do not have access to electricity and water after Typhoon Rai, dominate bookings, according to local news website Rappler.

“Our hotels are already full. Why? Because our own Cebuanos – because there is no electricity and there is no water – those that can afford are going to the hotels,” said Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday.

Dubai to Cebu flights cancelled

Earlier this week, Mactan-Cebu International Airport was closed owing to severe weather caused by the typhoon and operations were suspended "until further notice", according to GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation.

"We are closely co-ordinating with the different government agencies and airline partners regarding announcements on the resumption of flights," it said. "We urge all passengers to stay at home until the resumption of flights are announced."

In the UAE, Cebu Pacific had to cancel flights from Dubai and Emirates also had to cancel a stop in Cebu.

"As for flights to other points in the Philippines, they’re operating as normal," an Emirates representative told The National on Wednesday.

Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, does not fly to Cebu.