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UAE eases travel restrictions: Dubai Airport expects passenger surge

Dubai's state airport operator expects a "surge" in passenger traffic over the coming weeks and months, its chief executive said on Wednesday, after the United Arab Emirates announced an easing of travel restrictions from African and Asian countries.

Dubai’s state airport operator expects a “surge” in passenger traffic over the coming weeks and months, its chief executive said on Wednesday, after the United Arab Emirates announced an easing of travel restrictions from African and Asian countries.

The Gulf state, a major international travel hub, on Tuesday said on 5 August it would scrap a transit flight ban which Emirates airline later said applied to passengers travelling from 12 countries.

The UAE will also lift an entry ban on those who had visited India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria or Uganda over the past 14 days for those with valid residencies and who are certified by Emirati authorities as fully vaccinated.

Dubai Airports Chief Executive Paul Griffiths said Dubai International was “ready to accommodate the anticipated surge in the coming weeks and months” once restrictions ease.

The Indian subcontinent is traditionally the largest source market for Dubai International, which is one of the world’s busiest airports and the hub for state airline Emirates.

Griffiths said the easing of entry restrictions on inbound travellers from South Asia as well as Nigeria and Uganda would allow for thousands of UAE residents to return.

“It’s a great development from both a social and economic standpoint,” he said.

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Those travelling to the UAE or transiting through its airports need to meet various conditions including presenting a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coronavirus test prior to departure.

The #ArrivalRevival is also happening over in the UK after the country lifted restrictions and will now allow fully vaccinated travellers from the U.S. and EU to enter the country without the need to quarantine on arrival.

Back in Australia, people immunised against COVID-19 can now add a digital vaccination certificate to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay on smartphones.

According to a newly updated government webpage detailing the feature, Australians can access their digital certificate through the Express Plus Medicare app or online via my.gov.au.

Do you think this will be the ticket to international travel reopening for Australia? Let us know, email editor@karryon.com.au.

Source: AAP