The UAE-based Emirates airline has extended the suspension of flights to South Africa until 10 March 2021.
The airline mentioned that the move decision is in line with recent UAE directives that restrict the entry of travelers originating from South Africa into the area.
“Affected customers should contact their travel agent or Emirates contact center for rebooking options,” Emirates mentioned.“Customers holding tickets with final destination in South Africa are not going to be accepted for journey at their point of origin. Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused.”
Emirates mentioned it remains committed to serving its customers in South Africa and will resume passenger services when conditions allow.“We continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard, and will endeavor to provide our customers with as a lot of support and notice as possible.”
The UAE is the latest in a line of nations that have imposed some form of travel restrictions on South Africa – primarily driven by fears of the Covid-19 variant found in South Africa in late November.
Virgin Atlantic also extended its ban on flights to and from South Africa and may not resume flights till April.
British Airways had announced the suspension of all South Africa flights till 16 April.
A KLM Royal Dutch airways ban on travelers from South Africa (since 23 January) still stays in effect.
The US and a number of nations in Europe have placed a ban on travel to and from South Africa, with restricted exceptions for some workers and returning citizens.
SA farm staff are granted an exemption from the US travel ban for ‘national interest’ reasons.
Experts have warned that these restrictions are likely to continue after the government announced that it will not use the Oxford/Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccines last week, due to considerations around its efficacy.
However, scientists have indicated that harder domestic lockdowns to prevent the spread of variants would possible be more effective than closing borders to South Africa.
