UAE revises guidelines for chartering flights, says no passengers allowed on repatriation flights to Dubai

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has asked Air India to not carry any passengers aboard the repatriation flights to UAE being operated under the Vande Bharat Mission. As per the Guidelines issued by the General Civil Aviation Authority of United Arab Emirates (UAE)- Safety Decision 2020-01 (Issue 17) Q and A Guidance For Foreign Operators, on June 23, 2020 - transportation of passengers ( UAE Nationals and Non - UAE Nationals) to the United Arab Emirates on the repatriation flights is not allowed.

New Delhi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has told the national carrier Air India to not carry any passengers aboard the repatriation flights to UAE under 'Vande Bharat Mission' without special approval from the Embassy of UAE in New Delhi and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).

"Currently, Air India is operating repatriation flights between India and UAE under the Vande Bharat Mission. All foreign airline operators to UAE have to adhere to the conditions and restrictions mentioned during repatriation clearances," the airline spokesperson stated.

"As per the guidelines issued by the General Civil Aviation Authority of United Arab Emirates (UAE)- Safety Decision 2020-21 (Issue 17) Q&A Guidance For Foreign Operators, Issue Date: 23 June 2020 - transportation of passengers (UAE Nationals and Non-UAE Nationals) to United Arab Emirates on the repatriation flights is not allowed," said Air India.

"In view of the foregoing, all passengers including the Indian nationals who are holding valid Residency Permit /Work Permit of UAE and have procured approval of the UAEs Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship- UAE (ICA) of UAE or an approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) applicable to Dubai would need to have specific approval from the embassy of the United Arab Emirates in New Delhi and there UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) to travel from India to UAE on these repatriation flights," stated an Air India spokesperson.

"All passengers need to comply with the quarantine and Covid-19 test requirements as per the preventive and the precautionary measures required by the the appropriate health authorities, as notified from time to time," he added.

Notably, the US has accused Air India of "discriminatory practices" and curbed repatriation flights it was operating both to and from the country.

Similarly, France government also restricted Indian airlines from carrying passengers to Paris on the repatriation flights.

According to sources, a UAE carrier has sought permission from the government to operate charters. The flight will fly with only crew to India and take passengers.