Emirates Airline has announced it will be operating a limited number of inbound flights to bring back stranded UAE residents from London and Frankfurt starting this week, reported Gulf News on Tuesday.

Last week, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also announced a limited inbound flight operation for the stranded UAE residents from a number of countries. However, strict guidelines are in place for passengers flying back. This operation aims to provide relief to thousands of UAE residents stranded abroad since the country banned inbound flights on March 19 as part of precautionary measures to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

“Emirates is operating limited passenger flights to carry travellers from select destinations including London Heathrow and Frankfurt back to the UAE,” the airline said in a statement.

Any UAE residents stranded abroad must get approval from UAE authorities before booking a seat on any inbound flight. “If you are considering booking one of these flights to get back to Dubai, you will need to ensure you have the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) approval via the UAE Twajudi Resident service before you book your flight,” says Emirates.

The Dubai-based airline is already operating a limited number of passenger flights for travellers going from the UAE to some destinations.

Passengers are advised to check with the airline about the flights operating to Dubai and the essential travel destinations guide online before they book their flights.

Emirates says that stringent entry restrictions remain in place upon arrival in Dubai, which include a mandatory DHA test on arrival, a mandatory 14-day quarantine and a follow-up test before release.