Passengers can claim up to 150,000 euros ($ 173,600) in medical expenses. (File)
Dubai:
Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, will cover the medical costs of customers linked to the coronavirus in a bid to “boost travelers’ confidence,” the Dubai media office reported on Thursday.
“Emirates will cover its passengers for medical and quarantine costs related to COVID-19 when traveling on Emirates, to and from the United Arab Emirates and around the world, free of charge,” the office said. UAE media in a statement.
The Dubai-based carrier, which operates a fleet of 270 jumbo jets, halted operations at the end of March amid global shutdowns aimed at stemming the spread of the new coronavirus.
Two weeks later, it resumed operations on a limited network and plans to fly to 58 cities by mid-August, up from more than 150 before the crisis.
The announcement came shortly after the United Arab Emirates – an alliance of seven emirates including the capital Abu Dhabi and Dubai – made testing mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers from August 1, according to media reports. of state.
“Emirates will be the first airline to offer free coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses to customers when traveling to and from the UAE and around the world,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al said on Twitter. Maktoum, President and CEO of Emirates Group.
“This will strengthen the confidence of travelers and once again position Emirates and Dubai as leaders in the aviation industry.”
Passengers can claim up to 150,000 euros ($ 173,600) in medical costs and up to 100 euros per day for 14 days in quarantine costs, if diagnosed with the disease, according to the press release from the Dubai media office. .
“We know that people yearn to fly as borders around the world are gradually reopening, but they are looking for flexibility and reassurance if something unforeseen happens during their journey,” Sheikh Ahmed said in the statement.
The policy will take effect immediately and will remain in effect until October 30, 2020.
Emirates Chairman Tim Clark said it would take up to four years for operations to return to “some degree of normalcy” and the airline could lay off up to 15 percent of its staff.
Before the pandemic crisis hit, Emirates employed some 60,000 people, including 4,300 pilots and nearly 22,000 cabin crew, according to its annual report.
The airline had reported an exceptional 21% increase in annual profits in March.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
