According to reports by Reuters the UAE’s Emirates and Etihad airlines have asked staff to take leave as the demand for flights has decreased due to the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, March 2, Reuters reported that Emirates had asked staff to take either paid or unpaid leave, due to a ‘measurable slowdown’ in business.
Emirates has cancelled all flights to China’s mainland, except to Beijing, and also to Iran which has the most reported cases in the Middle East (and has just released 54,000 prisoners temporarily to help prevent the spread of the virus in crowded jail cells).
The emails sent by Emirates asked staff who have a significant leave to consider taking paid leave and has offered unpaid leave to those who are not in key operational roles.
‘In all cases, we strongly encourage you to take up this opportunity if you have the support and approval of your line manager,’ the email said.
According to an internal email sent to Etihad’s employees (seen by Reuters), the Abu Dhabi-based airline is asking cabin crew to apply for paid leave between 6 April and 5 May.
Etihad has denied sending the email, which according to Reuters makes no mention of the coronavirus.
‘This is a great opportunity to take some time out or rest, relax and celebrate with family and friends. Leave slots will be available … in blocks of six, 12, or 18 days,’ the email says.
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