Emirates has postponed the launch of flights to Tel Aviv in Israel. The decision comes after Israel announced border closure after the country confirmed 1 case of the new Omicron variant of Coronavirus.
The Dubai-based airline was supposed to launch nonstop flights to Tel Aviv on 6th December 2021. However, following Israel’s reintroduction of travel curbs barring the entry of non-residents for 2 weeks, the carrier has decided to postpone the launch.
Emirates, in a statement, said:
The postponement comes as a result of recent changes in entry protocols issued by the Israeli government. The airline is committed to launching services to Tel Aviv as soon as the situation allows, and will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard as conditions around entry evolve.
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Israel has imposed a slew of restrictions amid concerns of Omicron variant of COVID-19. In addition to barring the entry of non-residents for 2 weeks, the government has tightened quarantine and testing requirements for Israelis regardless of vaccination status. It has also resumed tracking confirmed coronavirus carriers by the Shin Bet security service.
Emirates was set to be the third airline after Etihad Airways and flydubai to start nonstop flights to Tel Aviv since the two countries established diplomatic relations last year.
Meanwhile, Emirates recently signed a codeshare agreement with Riga-based airBaltic.
Featured image by Emirates
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