UAE suspends all inbound and outbound flights from Italy

The UAE has announced the suspension of all inbound and outbound flights with Italy, with the exception of flights to and from Rome, with immediate effect and until further notice. 

The flight suspension is part of the precautionary measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In a statement released on Friday, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said that all passengers arriving from Rome International Airport are required to undergo thorough preventive medical tests at UAE airports to ensure that they are free from the virus.

"The decision to suspend flights was made after reviewing and analysing the current situation in Italy and was done in coordination with the concerned national authorities, including the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management



authority (NCEMA), the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the UAE's national airline carriers; Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines.

NCEMA, and other concerned authorities, will continue to closely monitor the situation in Italy and will take appropriate preventative measures based on careful analysis of ongoing developments as necessary.

The GCAA urged all passengers to check with their respective airlines for flight status s on affected routes.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) on Friday also called on all senior members of the public to remain at home and steer away from crowded places, as a precautionary measure taken by the UAE government to minimize the spread of coronavirus.