Coronavirus: Etihad to operate special evacuation flight to Melbourne tomorrow

Australians in the UAE who wish to leave the country are urged to contact the missions immediately as Etihad Airways will be operating an evacuation flight to Melbourne on Thursday morning.

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

Those Australians who wish to travel are asked to email to the Consulate-General immediately.

"If you are interested in buying a ticket and travelling on this flight, please email us immediately with a copy of the passport for all intended passengers to consular.dubai@austrade.gov.au."

The ambassador reminded that all overseas arrivals to Australia 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."

The embassy noted that Thursday's flight may be 'last chance' to leave the UAE for some time.

"This is a one-off flight and may the last chance for you to leave the UAE for some time. We would urge you to consider taking it if you wish to return to Australia in immediate future."

In line with the UAE regulations following Covid-19 precautionary measures, the Australian Embassy and Consulate-General are operating with reduced staff.