Emirates joins growing list of travel bans on SA

The international ban on travel to and from South Africa continues, with Emirates Airline announcing this week it will extend the suspension of flights from South Africa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Emirates’ flights from South Africa will remain suspended until 8 April 2021, in line with government directives that restrict the entry of travelers originating from South Africa, into the UAE,” it said.

“Customers who have been to or connected through South Africa in the last 14 days will not be permitted on any Emirates flights bound for Dubai.”

The airline apologised for any convenience this may cause and affected customers should contact their travel agents or the Emirates call centre for rebooking options.

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“Emirates remains committed to serving our customers in South Africa and we look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow. We continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard, and will endeavour to provide our customers with the needed support to adjust their travel plans.”

The ban comes when many countries believe the 501Y.V2 variant of the coronavirus is more contagious, it has even been dubbed the “South African variant” despite being found in numerous other countries after it was first identified in South Africa.

Here is the list of other countries that have extended their ban on SA:

United Kingdom – British Airways announced the suspension of all South Africa flights to London from Johannesburg until 17 May. Flights from Cape Town to London have been suspended until 1 June.

Belgium – British Airways announced the suspension of all South Africa flights until 16 April.

France – British Airways announced the suspension of all South Africa flights until 16 April.

Germany – British Airways announced the suspension of all South Africa flights until 16 April.

Switzerland – British Airways announced the suspension of all South Africa flights until 16 April.

Seychelles – Seychelles announced it would reopen for tourists around the world to travel to and from the country at the end of March, but said South Africa would be excluded, with no date announced how long this travel ban will last.

(Compiled by Sandisiwe Mbhele)

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