Ban on AI Express for Carrying COVID +Ve Flyer to Dubai Revoked

Dubai Civil Aviation authorities have suspended Air India Express for 15 days between 18 September and 2 October.

Image used for representational purpose.

(Photo: PTI)

All Air India Express flights from and to Dubai will operate as per original schedule starting Friday, 18 September, said Air India Express. The statement came hours after Dubai Civil Aviation authorities reportedly suspended Air India Express for 15 days after it flew a COVID-19-positive passenger to Dubai on 4 September.

The airline has also reportedly been asked to pay for all the expenditure incurred by the respective authorities, for medical services and/or quarantine of any passenger(s) and the other passengers in that flight. Before resuming operations, the carrier also needs to submit a detailed corrective action/procedure implemented to prevent such incidents.

Details of why the ban was revoked remain unclear.

This is reportedly the second instance that the airline has flown a COVID-19 positive passenger. The Times of India quoted the notice by the authorities to the airlines that allegedly read:

"You are aware of the previous intimation made to you by our letter dated September 2, for boarding a passenger with a COVID-19 positive result, who endangered the other passengers on board and also caused a serious health risk. Boarding a passenger with Covid-19 positive test result for the second time is contrary to and is in violation of the laid down procedures and/or protocols relating to air travel to and from airports in the Emirate of Dubai, during the Coronavirus SARS Cov. 2 pandemic.”

This is the second time Air India or its subsidiary carriers face a suspension. On 18 August, Hong Kong had banned the airline from operating till 31 August.