Emirates chairman urges more countries to consider easing border entry

Emirates chairman urges more countries to consider easing border entry

Emirates chairman and chief executive on Monday called on more countries to lift quarantine requirements for air passengers, as the UAE's long-haul operator looks to resume its services to destinations that have eased their COVID-19 restrictions. The Dubai-based carrier is looking to increase its operations in the Italian market to 21 weekly flights starting July, following the European state's recent announcement to grant quarantine-free entry to qualified travellers from the UAE. Under the so-called "COVID-tested flights“ policy, Italy-bound flyers from the UAE, as well as the United States, Canada and Japan, will not be mandated to isolate themselves upon arrival, provided they have tested negative for coronavirus. "We welcome the COVID-tested flight arrangements and would like to thank the Italian and UAE authorities for their ongoing efforts to ease and facilitate international travel,“ said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates chairman and chief executive. "We hope that more countries will consider similar arrangements to facilitate quarantine-free travel,“ he added. Italy's new quarantine-free entry will take effect from June 2. Travellers bound to Italy are advised to hold a negative COVID-19 PCR-RT or rapid antigen test result valid for 48 hours prior to departure. Upon arrival in Italy, travellers are