Flight bans 'difficult but necessary', GCAA responds to Nigeria

Monday, 5 July 2021 08:10

By ARN News Centre

The UAE has reiterated that the decision to restrict flights from some countries is governed by COVID-19 protocols that aim to protect public health and safety.

Responding to remarks by Nigeria's Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) explained that travel restrictions are issued for countries after reviewing the presence of concerning COVID-19 variants, number of passengers testing positive on arrival in the UAE, and the "integrity of domestic testing facilities".

The travel restrictions, the authority explained, have been "difficult but necessary" to "protect the health of those in the country".

They added that the travel ban list is regularly reviewed and updated, with "no airlines exempt from these measures".

The GCAA said they will continue to work with their Nigerian counterparts to monitor the situation.

It was on June 21 that the UAE suspended flights from Nigeria over rising COVID-19 infections.

More from Local News

Dubai's new 80km road corridor to boost inter-emirate connectivity

Dubai is moving ahead with a major new road project designed to strengthen the emirate’s transport network and improve connectivity with neighbouring emirates.
UAE strongly condemns Houthis' attempted attack on Mecca

The UAE has strongly condemned the Houthis' attempt to target Mecca in Saudi Arabia using a drone.
Dubai strengthens cybersecurity dialogue with GISEC Global

GISEC Global 2026, the largest and most influential cybersecurity event in the Middle East and North Africa, has opened in Dubai, bringing together governments, industry leaders and technology experts from more than 180 countries.
UAE shuts down 200 social media accounts for unlicensed recruitment

As many as 200 social media accounts were closed during the first half of 2026 for offering domestic worker services illegally, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced on Wednesday.
UAE Floating Hospital admits 11 new patients from Gaza

The UAE Floating Hospital in Egypt's Al-Arish has started the treatment for 11 new patients from the Gaza Strip.
UAE strongly condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian facilities

The UAE has strongly condemned the attacks launched by the Houthi group on civilian facilities in the cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif in Saudi Arabia.
Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail to explore enhanced UAE air-rail transport integration

Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities to create an air-to-rail travel experience across the UAE.
UAE allocates $8 million to support Chad amid El Nino food crisis

Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has allocated $8 million to support Chad in addressing the humanitarian impact of the El Nino climate phenomenon.
UAE, Syrian Presidents discuss stronger economic and development ties

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, with a focus on economic and development cooperation.
Sheikha Latifa honours Arab Media Award winners

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has honoured winners across multiple categories of the Arab Media Award.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed reaffirms 'relations with Syria' during meeting with Al-Sharaa

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Dubai and expressed optimism the "nation...will regain the global standing it deserves".
Abu Dhabi streamlines holiday home regulatory process

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has updated the emirate’s holiday home regulations, making the system faster, simpler and more user-friendly for owners and operators.
Ahmad Al-Sharaa expresses confidence in Syria's revival at Arab Media Summit

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa has highlighted how the country has transformed from being a "centre of conflicts into a centre of stability and a connecting point for investment and trade".
Sheikh Mansour, President of Angola discuss cooperation in phone call

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has held phone discussions with President of Angola, João Manuel Lourenço.
UAE holds military funeral for two servicemen martyred during training

A military funeral has been held for Major Abdullah Shams Al Menhaly and Warrant Officer Saeed Abdullah Al Shamsi, who were martyred while carrying out a training mission in the UAE on Monday.
Abu Dhabi makes it easier to issue and attest birth, death certificates

The process of getting and attesting death and birth certificates in Abu Dhabi has become a lot easier and quicker.
UAE President receives Albania's highest state honour

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been awarded Albania’s highest state honour, the Grand Star of the Supreme Order of the Eagle, in recognition of his role in strengthening UAE-Albania ties.
Sheikh Abdullah discusses regional developments with Gulf counterparts

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed efforts to enhance regional security and stability with his counterparts in Kuwait and Qatar.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed tours Arabian Travel Market

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has visited the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market at Dubai World Trade Centre, where he reviewed the latest developments shaping the future of global travel and tourism.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlights Dubai’s role in shaping future of tourism

Dubai will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of global travel and tourism, guided by innovation, strong partnerships and an ambitious vision.

News

Dubai's new 80km road corridor to boost inter-emirate connectivity
Dubai is moving ahead with a major new road project designed to strengthen the emirate’s transport network and improve connectivity with neighbouring emirates.
UAE strongly condemns Houthis' attempted attack on Mecca
The UAE has strongly condemned the Houthis' attempt to target Mecca in Saudi Arabia using a drone.
Dubai strengthens cybersecurity dialogue with GISEC Global
GISEC Global 2026, the largest and most influential cybersecurity event in the Middle East and North Africa, has opened in Dubai, bringing together governments, industry leaders and technology experts from more than 180 countries.

Flight bans 'difficult but necessary', GCAA responds to Nigeria

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go

Flight bans 'difficult but necessary', GCAA responds to Nigeria

Share

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go