Emirates operates special flight with only vaccinated passengers and crew

An Emirates airlines flight carrying only vaccinated passengers and crew took to the skies on Saturday to celebrate the success of the UAE’s immunisation programme.

The short flight left Dubai International Airport at about midday before returning at about 2.30pm.

Tickets for the landmark flight were Dh1,000 for economy and Dh2,000 for business class.

All proceeds will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, a non-profit charity organisation that supports projects around the world aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

All passengers were required to present their passports or Emirates IDs, as well as vaccination certificates.

They were to be provided with pre-departure rapid Covid-19 testing, free of charge, and had to abide by physical distancing protocols and wear their masks throughout the journey.

The UAE is moving quickly towards its target of achieving herd immunity.

Since its inoculation drive was launched in December, more than 8.9 million doses of vaccine have been administered to the public.

Vaccination drives are viewed as key to returning the world to normality and easing restrictions on travel.