Emirates is offering free cargo capacity to NGOs for shipping relief items on all flights from Dubai to nine cities in India. In cooperation with the International Humanitarian City (IHC), the first flights carrying WHO cargo have departed Dubai for India.
On Sunday (May 9, 2021), Emirates announced the launch of a humanitarian airbridge to India, carrying urgent COVID-19 relief items. The airline is offering free cargo capacity on an “as available” basis to NGOs on all flights between Dubai and nine cities in India. In coordination with the International Humanitarian City (IHC), the first flights carrying WHO cargo from Dubai to India have departed. Over the past few weeks, Emirates SkyCargo has been transporting medicine and medical equipment on charter and cargo flights to India.
In Sunday’s announcement, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said,
“India and Emirates are deeply connected, since our first flights to India in 1985. We stand with the Indian people and will do all we can to help India get back on its feet. Emirates has a lot of experience in humanitarian relief efforts, and with 95 weekly flights to 9 destinations in India, we will be offering regular and reliable widebody capacity for relief materials. The International Humanitarian City in Dubai is the largest crisis relief hub in the world, and we will work closely with them to facilitate the movement of urgent medical supplies.”
Also commenting on the launch of Emirates’ airbridge initiative, International Humanitarian City’s CEO, Giuseppe Saba, added,
“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid built the International Humanitarian City (IHC), so Dubai, in coordination with humanitarian agencies, would be able to assist communities and families, most in need – around the world. The creation of the humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India, facilitated by Emirates SkyCargo, Dubai’s International Humanitarian City and UN agencies, to transport urgent medical and relief items, is another example of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for the IHC, being brought to life. Last year over 1,292 shipments were dispatched from the IHC in Dubai, setting the standard for humanitarian response globally. We appreciate the great efforts by IHC’s partner Emirates SkyCargo establishing this humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India in this time of need.”
The first shipment was a consignment of over 12 tons of multi-purpose tents from the World Health Organization (WHO) which was sent to Delhi under the coordination of IHC in Dubai. Emirates’ freight division has developed a close partnership with IHC over several years of delivering relief materials to communities worldwide impacted by natural disasters and other crises. IHC will support Emirates SkyCargo in channeling the critical supplies to India through the airbridge.
Source: Emirates