TheCable

Emirates Airline has said it will cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs for its customers in order to boost travel confidence.

The airline, in a statement, said the decision is aimed at providing unique assurance when passengers fly to any destination and in any class of travel.

“Emirates customers can travel with confidence, as the airline will cover medical expenses of up to €150,000 and quarantine costs of €100 per day for 14 days, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home,” the statement read.

“This cover is provided by the airline, free of cost to its customers.”

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates group chairman said: “Under the directive of his highness sheikh Mohammed, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, Emirates is proud to lead the way in boosting confidence for international travel”.

“We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually re-open, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel.

“Emirates has worked hard to put in place measures at every step of the customer journey to mitigate the risk of infection, and we have also revamped our booking policies to offer flexibility.

“We are now taking it to the next level, by being the first in the industry to offer our customers free global cover for COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs should they incur these costs during their travel.

“It is an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this initiative,” Al Maktoum added.

The statement read that: “This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until October 31 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before October 31 2020).”

“It is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey.

“This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination.

“Customers do not need to register or fill in any forms before they travel, and they are not obligated to utilise this cover provided by Emirates.

“Any impacted customer who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel simply has to contact a dedicated hotline to avail of assistance and cover.”

The airline said it has implemented several safety measures for customers including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to all customers.