Dubai flights: Airlines react as rapid Covid PCR test is scrapped for India, Pakistan passengers

Dubai flights: Airlines react as rapid Covid PCR test is scrapped for India, Pakistan passengers

Confirming that they have received the circular, airline representatives said the move comes as a major relief

By Muzaffar Rizvi and Sahim Salim Published: Tue 22 Feb 2022, 1:13 PM

Airlines have expressed relief after Dubai authorities removed the rapid PCR testing requirement for passengers travelling from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Confirming that they have received the circular, airline representatives said the move comes as a major relief.

"As per the latest advice from the authorities, there is no need to conduct rapid PCR test within four to six hours at the (departure) airport," Shohail Sheikh, airblue's country manager for the UAE, told Khaleej Times on Tuesday.

"It is major relief (offered) by the Dubai authorities to passengers and (will) equally benefit airlines and airports," he added.

Abdullah Khan, a spokesperson for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), confirmed receiving the circular as well.

"We are waiting (and hoping) for a (similar) update from the Abu Dhabi civil aviation authorities,” Khan said.

Khalid Bashir, chief commercial officer of SereneAir, said passengers are sure to be happy with the latest move. “It was a difficult requirement for them,” he added.

India and Pakistan are the two top destination countries for Dubai International Airport (DXB) by passenger volume.

DXB retained its position