Saudi Gazette report

DUBAI — Emirates airline will begin flying a limited number of passenger flights from April 6 following approval from the Unite Arab Emirates.

The announcement of the resumption of a limited operation, which will initially carry residents, visitors in the UAE who wish to return to their countries, was made by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation and chairman & CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, in a tweet on Thursday.

“Over time, Emirates looks forward to the gradual resumption of passenger services in line with lifting of travel and operational restrictions, including assurance of health measures to safeguard our people and customers. Their safety and well-being will always be our top priority,” Shaikh Saeed tweeted.

Emirates SkyCargo will use these flights to support trade activities, his tweet added.

Later speaking to Al Arabiya TV station, Adel Al Rida, executive director of operations at Emirates, said the airline planned to first begin flights to European centers, including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich and Brussels.

The airline would operate 10 to 15 flights daily, he said, depending on permissions from foreign countries as well as passenger demand.

The flights will be one-way to return expatriates to their homes, and the return leg to Dubai will likely initially carry cargo only.

Al Rida also said there was a "demand and necessity" to operate flights to the United States, so those routes could soon be utilized again.

"Our aim is to find a way for citizens and residents in UAE to fly to their countries," Al Rida said.