Emirates to restart commercial flights from UK to Australia next week – despite Brits still being banned from entering

EMIRATES is restarting scheduled flights between the UK and Australia from next week – despite restrictions still not letting Brits into the country.

Flights will connect in Dubai, another destination yet to allow travellers from the UK to enter.

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The airline will resume a normal flight schedule to nine destinations – London Heathrow Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne – from May 21.

This includes flights from the UK to Australia.

Earlier today, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab confirmed that Brits will be able to return to the UK from Melbourne via the UAE from May 15, with some lockdown restrictions lifted due to low cases of coronavirus in Australia.

However, the UK Foreign Office not only advises against all non-essential travel, but Brits will not be able to enter Australia unless a citizen or permanent resident.

All travellers must also quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Similar restrictions are in place for Dubai, which passengers will have to transit through, with the UAE advising travellers to check with the airline before travelling.

It is also mandatory to have temperature checks via thermal scanners, to wear gloves and masks, and to remain social distancing at the airport.

Emirates confirms that "travellers will only be accepted on these flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries." which includes an "approval from the Federal Authority for Identify and Citizenship (ICA) for UAE residents".

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said: “We are pleased to resume scheduled passenger services to these destinations, providing more options for customers to travel from the UAE to these cities, and also between the UK and Australia.

"We are working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations."

Passengers on the flights will also have to follow strict new guidelines: "Magazines and print reading material will not be available during this time.

"Cabin baggage have to be checked-in, and customers can only bring essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items on board."

However, with Australia and Dubai yet to open to tourists, Brits should remain cautious before booking them.

Australia has nearly 7,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 100 deaths. The UAE has 19,661 cases, with 203 deaths.

Dubai is looking at ways to encourage tourists to return on holiday when the borders do reopen, with plans to add social-distancing sunbathing and reduced "touch points" to show the region is safe.

Hotels are also slashing prices with up to 60 per cent off breaks to offer bargain deals to holiday bookers.

Lesley Rollo, Managing Director of booking agent Travelbag she had "never seen" such cheap deals for luxury holidays to the region.

She added to Telegraph Travel: "I’ve never anything like it. It will open up luxury travel for so many people."

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