Emirates plans to offer insurance to passengers flying into or through Dubai amid ongoing travel warnings linked to regional instability.
Emirates is working with insurers to reassure passengers flying through Dubai with new travel protection measures
The initiative is designed to restore traveller confidence at a time when several governments continue to advise against travel to parts of the Gulf, leaving many passengers unable to secure standard travel insurance.
The proposed cover would also guarantee repatriation if needed, including the use of partner airlines, to reduce concerns about passengers being stranded should tensions escalate again, according to Emirates president Tim Clark.
The airline is working with insurers to develop a “reasonably priced” product that would ensure travellers can return home “irrespective [of whether it’s] on Emirates or not”, Clark said.
The move comes as demand has been disrupted by the conflict, although Emirates says passenger flows through Dubai are recovering. Around 40,000 people a day are now transiting through the airport, down from about 100,000 before the disruption, but “growing at pace”.
Clark said the recovery had been stronger than expected following a period in which the airline temporarily grounded services. Emirates has since restored most of its network and returned to near-normal operations.
Despite the uncertainty, the airline recently reported a profit of $6.3bn for the year to March, underlining a faster-than-expected rebound in demand. Clark said some routes, including flights from London, were operating at high load factors even as official travel advice continues to restrict insurance availability for certain destinations.
He added that the airline had been ahead of its internal forecasts for the first quarter and that the pace of recovery had surprised management.
Emirates has also adjusted its financial expectations in light of continued geopolitical uncertainty. Clark said the airline would be content to break even if conditions remain challenging, provided it continues to generate positive cash flow.
The insurance proposal forms part of wider efforts by Emirates to reassure passengers and sustain Dubai’s position as a major global transit hub during a period of regional instability.
The airline said it is continuing discussions with insurance providers and expects further details on the scheme to be announced once arrangements are finalised.