Combating coronavirus: Emirates, other Gulf airlines extend ticket validity

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emirates, airline, coronavirus, covid-19, ticket validity

Dubai - The fare amount paid for the original booking will be accepted for any flight to the same destination/region.

By Staff Report

Published: Mon 13 Apr 2020, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 13 Apr 2020, 8:35 PM

Several airlines based in the Gulf region have extended validity of tickets as air travel largely remain suspended.
Emirates
Dubai's flagship airline Emirates has extended the validity of tickets for two years from the date of original booking.

"You can choose to keep your ticket and we'll extend its validity to 24 months from the date of your original booking. The fare amount you paid for your original booking will be accepted for any flight to the same destination/region at any time with no fees during this period," the carrier said on its website.

.@Emirates announces that passengers can extend the validity of their tickets up to 24 months from the date they have made their original bookings, for passengers who booked a ticket before May 31, 2020 for travel on or before August 31, 2020. pic.twitter.com/iXFMUlx7yS
- Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 13, 2020

The world's largest international carrier said passengers need not call and cancel the ticket. "We've now extended the validity of your ticket for up to 24 months so you can just call us to reschedule your flight whenever you're ready to travel again," it said.

"You don't need to do anything, we'll keep your booking status as open and you can reschedule your flight whenever you're ready to travel again," said the statement posted on its website.

It said these options are available for bookings made before the May 31. Bookings made from June 1 onwards are subject to the fare conditions applicable at the time of booking.

Importantly, the airline said there are no change to fees when passenger rebook within the 24-month period.
flydubai
Low-cost carrier flydubai has also extended the validity of its voucher from six months to 12, which passengers can use to purchase tickets to their desired destinations.
Oman Air
Oman's national carrier Oman Air has allowed passengers to rebook for travel up to 18 months from the date the ticket was originally issued. It said travel dates can be changed up to two times and no rebooking or change fees will be charged but additional fare may be collected depending on type of airfare purchased.

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com