UAE has banned IndiGo from operating flights for a week, sources told. The ban was imposed after many passengers did not undergo the mandatory RT-PCR test at the departure airport, sources added. IndiGo has confirmed the development saying that due to operational issues, all IndiGo flights to UAE stand cancelled till August 24, 2021.
“We have informed all our passengers and will support them with refunds or accommodation in other flights once we resume operations,” IndiGo said. According to the latest UAE government health requirements, each passenger must get a negative RT-PCR report at the airport six hours prior to boarding the aircraft. The decision went into effect on 17th August, with no details on when the incident in question occurred. Overall, passengers arriving in Dubai from India must have a valid COVID-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours between the time of sample collection and scheduled flight departure. Only COVID-19 PCR test reports from certified labs that issue a QR code linked to the original report will be accepted. The Rapid PCR test can be conducted within six hours prior to departure. Passengers must complete a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai. Rapid antigen test will not be accepted.This meant all flights on IndiGo’s strong network of 11 cities to Dubai were canceled, leaving thousands stranded at the last minute. Passengers will be rebooked onto flights from the 24th of August onwards or could fly with another airline instead.
All passengers with a valid UAE residence visa are allowed to travel to and through Dubai from India subject to certain conditions. They can obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai for a maximum stay of 14 days provided they have a visitor visa or a green card issued by the United States, or a residence visa issued by the United Kingdom or European Union. The visa issued by United States, United Kingdom or European Union has to be valid for a minimum of six months. Passengers must complete a COVID-19 PCR rapid test at the departure airport before the departure of their flight.
