COVID-19: Inbound, outbound air travel to be suspended for two weeks

 IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates will halt inbound and outbound air travel for two weeks beginning March 25.

Key Points:

• The National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management and the Civil Aviation Authority is halting air travel to and from the UAE in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Transit through the UAE will also be suspended.
• The decision came after the UAE took a number of other steps last week to halt the spread of COVID-19, including prohibiting most UAE visa and permit holders abroad from reentering the country and suspending the issuance of work permits, tourist visas and visas on arrival.

Analysis & Comments: The restrictions the UAE and other countries have imposed have significantly disrupted business activity and employee mobility. The decision to halt all inbound and outbound flights is subject to reassessment, and additional measures are still possible.

Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Global Travel Impact Matrix, available here, for information on travel restrictions in other countries and territories.

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