Report: Emirates airline receives $2 billion from Dubai government

The Dubai government has provided the Emirates airline $2 billion, Reuters reported on Monday, citing a bond filing. Emirates, which is owned by Dubai, is a major Gulf airline. It has struggled with revenue losses as a result of the downturn in global travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emirates returned to the skies in May after suspending all flights in March. By September, the airline will be offering regular flights to 79 destinations. Emirates has gradually rebuilt its flight network since resuming flights.

The airline’s services remain reduced, however. Emirates again offered employees unpaid leave this month and cut hundreds of jobs in June. The other major airline in the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, has had similar issues.

Dubai is now looking to boost tourism as the coronavirus situation improves. All travelers flying into Dubai, whether transiting or entering, must provide a negative COVID-19 test before they board their flight. Visitors to Dubai may also need to test again on arrival.