Coronavirus: how Gulf airports are coping with the crisis

So far, they had been spared the 2019-nCov, or coronavirus, epidemic that is currently spreading around the world. But with a first confirmed case in the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East is faced with a medical emergency and the need to make decisions commensurate with the volatility of the virus.

Flight restrictions?

In the face of growing concern, many airlines are reducing or even canceling their flights to and from China. On Wednesday, Emirates, the state-owned airline, said its flights to the East Asian country were operating normally.

Prevention and information

However, extensive screening processes are being put in place at airports. The UAE Ministry of Health has also shared tips and information on its Twitter page. Mainly, these include travel advice and general information about the virus.

 

In order to follow preventive health measures, we invite you to view the awareness messages about the new Corona virus in China#mohap_uae#coronavirus pic.twitter.com/BWa9GCou9S

— وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع الإماراتية – MOHAP UAE (@mohapuae) January 29, 2020

Saudi Arabia, for its part, said it was applying precautionary measures at the kingdom’s airports. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority stated that it has taken, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, precautionary and preventive measures for passengers arriving from China on direct and non-direct flights. These initiatives are also being implemented at other airports in the Arab world, such as in Cairo and Beirut, where passengers are asked to fill in a specific form and forward it to the airport health services.