Following the UAE government’s announcement of relaxation in entry requirements for travellers from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Uganda, Etihad Airways has announced that it has opened bookings for flights from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
From today (7th August 2021), Etihad Airways has launched a number of flights from five Indian gateways, allowing eligible UAE residents to return, and for transit to Etihad’s network. Between 7th and 9th August 2021, the airline will operate flights from Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Trivandrum and New Delhi.
From 10 August 2021, the airline will begin flights from three additional Indian cities for travel to the UAE, as well as from three Pakistani cities, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for transit passengers to access Etihad’s network across the globe.
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As of 10th August 2021, flights will be added from Ahmedabad (for transit only), Hyderabad and Mumbai in India, and Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in Pakistan. Etihad will also operate flights from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Travellers returning to the UAE must have a valid residency and proof of having received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine within the UAE no less than 14 days before travel. Unvaccinated people in certain categories eligible to return include medical workers, UAE based teachers, students, residents with extenuating circumstances, patients undergoing medical treatment in the UAE and employees who work for federal or local government agencies. All passengers must apply for permission to return through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website. These latest categories are in addition to previously exempt categories of UAE nationals, Diplomatic missions, official delegations and Golden residence holders.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways recently launched twice-weekly flights to Vienna. The airline has also entered a strategic cooperation with EL AL. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has expanded the trials of IATA Travel Pass by rolling it out to seven more cities following successful trials in the 1st phase.
Featured image by Etihad Airways
What do you think of the UAE’s decision to relax entry requirements for travellers arriving from certain countries? Let me know in the comments section below.
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