Dubai’s Emirates says tickets to be valid for 24 months

Dubai airline Emirates is now offering passengers a two-year validity on tickets booked before May 31 for travel on or before August 31, 2020.

The carrier is currently only operating select flights due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with most routes grounded.

Passengers who book their tickets and choose to cancel the booking will be able to fly again on a later date for no additional charges, the airline said on its website.

“You can choose to keep your ticket and we’ll extend its validity to 24 months from the date of your original booking. The fare amount you paid for your original booking will be accepted for any flight to the same destination/region at any time with no fees during this period,” the airline said.

For example, if the original booking was for London, it can be rebooked for Amsterdam at no extra charges.

The Emirates regions include Africa, Australasia, Europe, Far East, Gulf, Middle East and Iran, Indian Ocean Islands, North America, South America and West Asia.

Those cancelling their tickets don’t have to inform the airline, it clarified.

“We’ve now extended the validity of your ticket for up to 24 months so you can just call us to reschedule your flight whenever you’re ready to travel again,” it explained.

Emirates is also offering a ‘travel voucher’ option, which allows passengers to convert the booking into a voucher.

The value of the voucher will be equivalent to the amount paid for the original booking.

The travel voucher will be valid for one year from the date of issue, with an extension permitted for another year. It can be used for flights or other Emirates products and services up to its value. The voucher can also be used for multiple transactions.

“There are no change fees when you rebook within the 24-month period either if you simply ‘Keep your ticket’ or with the travel voucher, so you have more flexibility for planning ahead,” the airline said.

Emirates also confirmed that those unable to travel during the extended period can request a refund.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to fly from Terminal 3 from April 12

The Dubai airline – similar to other carriers worldwide, has been hit hard by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on travel.

According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global airline industry needs government aid and bailout measures totaling between $150bn and $200bn if it is to survive the coronavirus crisis.

Read: Airlines need upto $200bn to survive virus – IATA