Flights to Dubai have been canceled, and cranes have canceled their journey.

The Uganda Cranes’ trip to the United Arab Emirates has been canceled by the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (FUFA). The squad was supposed to leave tomorrow, December 29th, 2021.

This comes as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced today that flights between Uganda and Dubai have been stopped till further notice. In June, flights from Entebbe were also halted due to an increase in COVID-19 infections, with many passengers testing positive for the virus upon arrival in Dubai.

“Passengers wanting to travel to Dubai are now encouraged to contact their individual airlines for assistance on any modifications in the restrictions,” according to a tweet from Uganda Civil Authority-UCAA. “Incoming Emirates flights from Dubai are still operating,” according to the UCAA.

The move has thrown Uganda’s over 200 labor “externalization” enterprises into disarray, as the majority of their clients that hire Ugandans are based in the Middle East, with Dubai Airport in the UAE serving as the primary gateway.

With an average of 17 flights each week, Dubai is one of the top four destinations from Entebbe International Airport. Uganda Airlines, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines operate these services.

Uganda’s inclusion on the red list, according to health sources at Entebbe Airport, comes as no surprise. “The number of COVID-19 cases in Uganda is increasing, as are the number of travellers who have tested positive for COVID-19 upon arriving in Dubai,” a source added.

According to another source, while the UAE obliged Ugandan passengers to undergo two COVID-19 exams prior to their departure flight, some of them failed.

Statement from the FUFA

The Cranes’ trip has been canceled, according to FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein, due to “flight issues.”

“In terms of logistics, the time available to arrange an alternative flight is insufficient for the group to fly into the UAE,” Hussein added.

In international friendly matches, Uganda Cranes were scheduled to face Gabon and Mauritania, both of whom are qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021. The first game, against Gabon, was set for December 30th, and the second, against Mauritania, for January 1st, 2022 in Abu Dhabi.

So, what’s next?
All airlines have informed their customers that they will no longer operate flights to Dubai as a result of the announcement. During the suspension, they will transport passengers and freight from Dubai to and from Entebbe.

According to Shakira Rahim, Uganda Airlines’ Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Manager, the flight cancellations have occurred during a high season when people are returning home for holidays or work as the festive season draws to a close. The airline flies to Dubai four times a week.

“Our journey to Dubai on December 29th was fully booked on the A330-800 aircraft. It, as well as the other flights, has been canceled. As a result, as soon as the suspension is lifted, our clients must reschedule,” Rahim explained.

Following the UAE travel ban, Rwandair and Emirates have also suspended their flights.

The travel prohibition is one among the precautions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19’s recently identified Omicron strain.

Uganda is the most recent country to be added on the UAE’s blacklist. There are now 12 African countries on the list.

Flights from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania will be suspended beginning Saturday, December 25 at 7.30 a.m., according to the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini are among the countries on the list.

Travelers from or transiting through the above countries in the last 14 days are not allowed to enter the UAE, according to the UAE.

This ruling does not apply to UAE nationals, their first-degree relatives, diplomatic missions, official delegations between the UAE and certain countries, or Golden Residence holders. They must, however, present a negative COVID-19 test obtained before 48 hours of departure, a Rapid-PCR test performed at the airport within six hours after departure, and another PCR test performed at the airport upon arrival in the UAE.

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates are also prohibited from traveling to the 12 African countries.