All flights to and from the UK from the United Arab Emirates will cease from Friday afternoon following the latest Covid travel crackdown.
The UAE was added to the government’s ‘red list’ of countries, alongside Burundi and Rwanda, on Thursday evening.
Restrictions will come into force from 1pm on Friday, after which there will be no direct flights linking Dubai or Abu Dhabi with the UK.
Emirates, which flies most passengers between the UAE and the UK, says all its flights to Birmingham, Glasgow, London Heathrow and Manchester are grounded from 1pm on Friday.
An airline spokesperson said: "We look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow."
Etihad also operates three flights daily between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi.
Anyone having been in the UAE in the prior 10 days, will have to self-isolate immediately along with their households.
The move was confirmed in tweets from transport secretary Grant Shapps.
He posted: “We’re extending our travel ban with the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda all added to the UK’s red list.
“This means people who have been in or transited through these countries will be denied entry, except British, Irish and third country nationals with residence rights who must self-isolate for ten days at HOME.
“Passengers must still have proof of a negative test and completed Passenger Locator Form before arrival – or could otherwise face a £500 fine for each.”
