Emirates airline resumes flight operations to Iran

TEHRAN: A Dubai-based Emirates airline has resumed flight operations to the Iranian on Friday after a five-month break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As per details, the 16 passengers on the Emirates flight from Dubai passed through a disinfection tunnel and had their body temperature checked upon arrival at Tehran’s airport.

In the departures lounge, masked outgoing passengers lined up at the Emirates check-in counter while an airport worker disinfected dozens of luggage trolleys.

The United Arab Emirates was among a list of countries that suspended all air links with Iran in February, along with nearby Armenia, Iraq, Kuwait and Turkey.

Airport deputy head Mohammadreza Karimian said a number of airlines have asked to resume flights to Iran.”Different airlines have made an appeal, considering that we observe all health protocols thoroughly,” he added.

Iran has been battling a resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic, with official figures showing a rise in both new infections and deaths since a two-month low in May.

The health ministry on Friday reported an overall virus toll to more than 13,790 deaths, with 183 new fatalities, and over 269,400 confirmed cases. Iran has refrained from imposing full lockdowns but closed schools and canceled public gatherings.

The country banned travel between provinces in March but lifting the order the next month. The rising toll has prompted officials to make masks mandatory in enclosed public spaces and allow worst-hit provinces to reimpose restrictions, with the capital Tehran among the latest.

Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East, has been scrambling to contain the pandemic since it reported its first two COVID-19 deaths in February.