Coronavirus: Passengers head home as Dubai airport puts on limited flights - in pictures

Tens of thousands of travellers usually pass through the terminals of Dubai International Airport each day.

Some are weary as they make a connection from one end of the world to the other, while others bound through the lengthy hallways with excitement as they prepare to jet off to an exotic new destination, or visit family after a long time apart.

The runways are typically packed with Emirates' flagship A380 and Boeing 777s as passengers take a quick snap of their flying chariot for Instagram before take off.

Now, however, it's a more serene experience amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The cacophony of trolleys and baggage, taxis and children is gone. The snaking queues for busy routes are a memory as passengers adhere to instructions to remain at a safe space from one another as they check in.

Emirates to resume some passenger flights from Monday, April 6

Etihad adds Melbourne and Amsterdam to list of special repatriation flights

Emirates received approval to fly passengers outbound from the UAE to select destinations across Europe.

The outgoing flights were heading to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich.

Passengers could also expect a modified in-flight service with no magazines or newspapers, and food and beverages presented in a way that reduces contact between crew members and passengers.

Emirates had instructed travellers to wear face masks and gloves when flying, and it advised travellers to be ready for enhanced security checks at Dubai Airport Terminal 2, where all flights will temporarily depart from. This includes thermal scanning for every passenger.

Etihad also started a limited schedule of flights to several destinations as a special service to repatriate citizens of foreign countries.

While you're here

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Key facilities

Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

If you go

Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.

Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com

A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com

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Whiile you're here

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Editorial: What makes the UAE such a good place to test vaccines?

Editorial: The fight against Covid-19 should be guided by science

Mountain%20Boy

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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League, semi-final result:

Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona

Liverpool win 4-3 on aggregate

Champions Legaue final: June 1, Madrid

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Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)