ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has suspended all incoming flights from India for a period of 10 days as the South Asian country combats the massive surge in coronavirus cases, the UAE's official news agency WAM reported of Friday, citing a statement from the country's General Authority of Civil Aviation and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). The move, which will come into effect on April 25, also bars the entry of travelers coming from India through another country unless they have stayed for 14 days in the transit country. According to the statement, flights between the two countries will continue to operate, carrying passengers from the UAE to India. The move exempts certain groups of people which include UAE citizens, diplomatic missions appointed by the two countries, official delegations, those on businessmen chartered flights, and those holding golden residency. They, however, must undertake preventive measures that include quarantine for 10 days and a PCR test at the airport, as well as on the fourth and eighth days following the entry into the country. Moreover, the required PCR test period has been reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours prior to travel from accredited laboratories that issue test results carrying a QR code. The authority also confirmed in the statement that it is required for those coming from India through other countries to stay in those countries for at least 14 days before being allowed to enter the country, starting from 23:59 local time on Saturday (April 24). These regulations will apply for a period of 10 days, which can be extended, while cargo flights continue to operate between the two countries. The authority called upon all travelers affected by the decision to follow up with the relevant airlines to change or reschedule their flights and to ensure their safe return to their final destinations without delay.
