Countries across the world have rammed up their efforts to contain the impact of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. In line with the measures taken by several countries to limit the spread of Omicron variant, Dubai's Emirates airline has issued guidelines for passengers in case any flight gets cancelled or affected due to route suspensions or COVID‑19 restrictions.

Passengers can manage their booking and travel plans if affected by COVID-19. They can change their booking through 'Manage A Booking' option on the website or by contacting their travel agent. They can also request a refund.

Are there any change fees?

The Dubai-based airline has confirmed that there are no changes in the fees while rebooking within the validity of the ticket. This allows more flexibility for passengers to plan their trips ahead. However, there may be a difference in fare or tax if the passengers choose to change the date or the destination of travel.

Keep your ticket for the future

For tickets issued on or after October 12, 2021, and travel date on or before May 31, 2022: Passengers can keep their ticket and use it later as the airline has extended the validity for 24 months from the date of original booking. The airline will accept the ticket for any flight to the same destination in the same booking class within the same cabin with no extra fees within this period.

For tickets issued between April 1, 2021 and October 11, 2021, and travel date on or before May 31, 2022: Noting that Emirates has extended the validity for 24 months from the date of original booking, the ticket will be accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region in the same travel class within the same cabin.

For tickets issued between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 with a travel date on or before May 31, 2022: Emirates extended the validity for 36 months from the date of original booking. Therefore, these ticket will be accepted for accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region in the same travel class. No extra fees will be charged during this period.

For tickets issued on or before September 30, 2020, with a travel date on or before May 31, 2022: Tickets can be used later as the airline's validity has been extended for 36 months from the date of original booking. For those who have booked their flights directly through Emirates, their ticket validity will be extended automatically. They are required to call the airline and confirm the dates when they wish to fly.

For tickets booked through travel agent, people must contact them before the ticket expires to extend validity from 24 months to 36 months.

Can I change my destination?

Yes, in some cases passengers can change their destination to another one within the same region. However, it will depend on the date when the flight is booked.

· If passenger has booked their ticket on or after October 12, 2021, with a travel date on or before May 31, 2022, they can change the ticket for the same destination, within the same fare season and in the same travel class for no extra charge. People are also requested to cancel their reservation if they are unable to travel to avoid charges.

· If the ticket is booked between April 1, 2021, and October 11, 2021, with a travel date on or before May 31, 2022, passenger can change their ticket to another destination in the same region and in the same travel class for no extra charge.

· For tickets issued on or before September 30, 2020, with a travel date on or before May 31, 2022, ticket will be accepted for any flight to the same destination or within the same region in any travel class. If passenger's original travel booking did not include Dubai, they can only change flight for a similar itinerary that does not include Dubai.

The Emirates regions include: Africa, Australasia, Europe, the Far East, China, the Gulf, Middle East and Iran, Indian Ocean Islands, North America, South America, and West Asia.

Passengers will be eligible for a refund even if their hasn’t been cancelled. Emirates does not charge any cancellation fee and will refund the flight fare. However, the service fees and taxes will not be refunded.