Dubai International (DXB) welcomed scheduled flights from 13 international airlines in the first couple of days of Dubai reopening for tourists.

Dubai officially began welcoming tourists on July 7and DXB has already received flights from Air Blue, Air France, Cebu Pacific, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, KLM, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Middle East Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Royal Jordanian with more expected to join later.

In addition to foreign carriers, Dubai-based Emirates and flydubai have boosted their schedules.

“We have ensured everything is in place to welcome airlines from around the world back to Dubai as a growing number of bilateral agreements between countries conclude to facilitate the opening of borders and the gradual return of traffic,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

“We remain in close discussions with government officials and airlines to support the resumption of additional services as approvals are granted in the weeks and months ahead. The message is that we are ready to welcome visitors back to Dubai and we will do our utmost to take care of them whilst they are here.”

Passengers will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (masks and gloves) and arrive to the airport no less than two hours but no greater than four hours before their flight to allow time for any additional screening measures.

Precautionary measures continue to be in place throughout the airport to maintain the health and safety of customers and staff.

These measures include protective plexiglass at check-in and immigration counters, thermal and temperature screening, physical distancing markers and increased levels of sanitisation in compliance with international standards set out by the relevant authorities.

Wole Shadare