COLOMBO (News 1st): The operation of passenger flights from Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates was suspended with effect on Wednesday morning (May 12), following a decision reached by the UAE authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

This decision does NOT affect the operation of passenger flights from the UAE to Sri Lanka, Upul Dharmadasa, the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority told News 1st on Wednesday (May 12).

However, the suspension of flights will affect transit flights through the United Arab Emirates and passengers travelling from Sri Lanka are NOT permitted to transit at the UAE.

Cargo flights can operate to the UAE, without any hindrance despite the flight restrictions imposed on the departure of passenger flights to the UAE from Sri Lanka, the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority further noted.

The suspension of passenger flights imposed by the United Arab Emirates is also applicable to India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

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