This archive report was first published on 20 December 2021.
On December 20, 2021, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) issued a directive temporarily suspending flights with inbound and transit passenger movements to Dubai from Kenya for 48 hours.
The suspension, which started at 10:30 am local time, affects Emirates flights from Nairobi, with passengers not being accepted for travel during this time. However, outbound passenger operations from Dubai to Nairobi remain unaffected.
The move comes a day after DCAA issued stringent conditions for travellers from East Africa to Dubai, including a requirement for a report on a rapid PCR test conducted at the departure airport six hours before leaving for Dubai, in addition to a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours of arrival in Dubai.
Passengers, including those in transit, will undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai and self-quarantine until a negative test result is out. The new measures are expected to affect Africans who prefer Dubai as a transit point due to its interconnectivity and lower fares charged by Emirates Airlines.
Emirates has announced a fresh flight suspension, with affected customers advised to hold on to their ticket for when flights resume. DCAA has called on all travellers affected by the decision to follow up and communicate with the airlines to amend and schedule their flights and ensure their safe return to their final destinations without any delay or other obligations.
