The Emirates’ President Sir Tim Clark stressed that all flights to Russia will continue, unless the airline’s owner, the government of Dubai, instructs him to act otherwise.
1. Business as usual
Talking during a BBC interview, the Emirates’ boss said the airline plays an important role connecting Russia with the world. He suggested that the majority of passengers flying the Dubai-Moscow sector have nothing to do with the war in Ukraine and should not be penalized.
If we are told to stop we will stop, unless we are told otherwise, we will continue.
Sir Tim Clarke, The Emirates’ President, told the BBC
Most major international airlines pulled out of Russia amid sweeping sanctions imposed by Western countries since the military conflict began in Ukraine. However, the Emirates is one of the few carriers that is still operating flights to Moscow and St Petersburg.
Emirates is flying its A380-800 aircraft on the five-hour plus sector between Dubai and Moscow at least once a day, yet the normal practice in most cases is twice a day. The city in the United Arab Emirates also offers a low-cost airline — flydubai — which flies between the two cities every day.
2. Humanitarian goods to Moscow
The Emirates President said it’s “not his call” to terminate flights, adding that the flights carry humanitarian goods, food and medical supplies into Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
We are catering to people who are on the periphery of the main issue here, and that is probably the way the government looks at it.
Sir Tim Clarke, The Emirates’ President, told the BBC
Sir Clarke emphasized that none of the cargo transported by Emirates carry goods subject to sanctions.
All we’re doing is being an enabler, facilitator, without taking a political position on this for the time being.
Sir Tim Clarke, The Emirates’ President, said in March
Alongside the Gulf-based airlines like Emirates, the big aviation markets of Turkey, India, and China have maintained air links with Russia.
3. Emirates booming after Covid-19
While the Dubai-based airline has suffered criticism from the West for not cutting ties with Russia, that has not prevented Western citizens from flying onboard Emirates. According to the Emirates President, “demand is roaring” and the airline has returned to profitability. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline was obliged to lay off thousands of workers, but Sir Tim said they’re looking into hiring 3,000 to 4,000 cabin crew and pilots to address the growing demand.
