UAE to resume flights to Tunis, 'aviation processes' back to normal

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UAE to resume flights to Tunis, aviation processes back to normal

Abu Dhabi - Decision was taken in light of extensive cooperation and information received from the Tunisian side

By Wam

Published: Fri 5 Jan 2018, 2:02 PM

Last updated: Sat 6 Jan 2018, 7:53 AM

UAE said on Thursday it would resume flights to Tunisia after an exchange of security information, resolving a row over female Tunisian passengers being barred from flying to UAE.
A statement by the foreign ministry on state news agency WAM said the decision was taken in light of extensive cooperation and information received from the Tunisian side that eased the national carriers' concerns:

'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has stated that within the framework of bilateral relations with the brotherly Republic of Tunisia, and out of concerns for the safety of air navigation and the keenness to mitigate any risks or threats, as well as in the light of the extensive security communication and the information received from the Tunisian side, the competent authorities in the UAE have decided that the standard processes will be reinstated to their normal state before the unforeseen circumstances.'

Earlier in December, some Tunisian women were banned from boarding Emirates flights from Tunis to Dubai over security fears, a Tunisian government official has said. AFP quoted Saida Qarash, a spokesperson of the Tunisian Presidency, as telling a local radio channel that the UAE authorities had serious security information about the possibility of terrorist attacks.
The ministry added that it appreciates the importance of joint co-operation within the framework of strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Tunisia. It values the information provided by the Tunisian side and their keenness to address all sources of concern for the UAE's national carriers, in a way that will guarantee the highest degrees of safety and security to the flights and to the passengers.
Emirates had also stopped all services between Dubai and Tunisia with effect from December 25 as instructed by Tunisian authorities, a spokesperson said.

In a statement sent to Khaleej Times, Emirates said: "As instructed by the Tunisian authorities, Emirates will stop all its services between Dubai and Tunisia starting from December 25 until further notice. Affected passengers are advised to contact their travel agent or booking office for assistance."
Commenting on the matter, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, had said "security information" prompted the UAE's move. He tweeted: "We contacted our brothers in Tunisia about security information that led to imposing of temporary specific procedures.

"In the UAE, we are proud of our experience of empowerment of women. We respect and appreciate the Tunisian women. Together we should avoid any inaccuracies," he said.