Emirates has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check destination-specific entry requirements after several countries introduced travel restrictions and enhanced health screening measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The airline advised travellers to verify the latest regulations through official government channels before departure, ensure their contact details are updated, and monitor flight schedules prior to arriving at the airport.
Emirates said passengers whose travel plans are affected by the new measures will be assisted with rebooking on the next available flight, including onward connections beyond Dubai. Customers booking flights from April 2 onwards are also eligible for one complimentary date change across all cabin classes, subject to ticket validity and fare differences.
The advisory comes as several countries strengthen precautionary measures against the spread of Ebola. On May 19, Bahrain announced the suspension of entry for foreign travellers arriving from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The move made Bahrain the first GCC nation to implement such restrictions in response to the outbreak.
Jordan has also suspended entry for travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s health authorities have confirmed their readiness to respond to any developments related to Ebola. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention said preparedness plans and health monitoring systems are being continuously reviewed in accordance with approved international standards.
According to the latest figures released by the World Health Organization, the Ebola outbreak has resulted in 10 confirmed deaths and 223 suspected Ebola-related deaths since it was declared in mid-May. More than 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases have been reported.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said ongoing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to complicate containment efforts. He also expressed confidence that the outbreak can be brought under control during a visit to support response teams on the ground.
Health officials said the outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The WHO has further warned that the true scale of infections may be higher than current figures suggest, as the virus may have been spreading undetected before the outbreak was officially declared.
