Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SD)

Abu Dhabi, Apr 1: Earlier today, the Etihad Airways announced that it will be operating special evacuation flights to Melbourne for the Australians in UAE who wish to return to their country. The operations are likely to be carried out on Thursday, April 2 and wishful passengers are being asked to contact the concerned authorities immediately.

 Australian ambassador to UAE Heidi Venamore said, "We have been advised by Etihad that they have decided to run a flight to Melbourne departing from Abu Dhabi on April 2 at 10 am. This flight is subject to final government approval, which Etihad has advised to be forthcoming."

Australian citizens planning to travel are asked to send emails immediately to the consulate-general. All intended passengers who wish to buy the tickets are asked to send a copy of their passport to consular.dubai@austrade.gov.au.

However, Venamore reminded that once the passengers arrive Melbourne they will be quarantined for two weeks. "Be aware that on arrival to Melbourne you will be subjected to mandatory quarantine for 14 days in a Victorian government-designated hotel," he was quoted in a report by Khaleej Times.

 According to the embassy, the flight may be the last chance to leave the UAE and urged the Australian citizens to take this chance if they wished to return to Australia. The Australian Embassy and consulate-general are operating with limited staff as a precautionary measure and as directed by the UAE regulations.