Coronavirus: UAE government forces Emirates to suspend all passenger flights, effective immediately

All 259 Emirates passenger aircraft will be grounded.
All 259 Emirates passenger aircraft will be grounded. Photo credit: Dan Lake

The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ordered the suspension of all passenger flights in and out of the country, effective immediately.

The drastic move comes as COVID-19 cases continues to grow around the world, including a 25 percent one day jump in the UAE.

Emirates, the country's airline, has been ordered to suspend all of its passenger flights. It normally carries approximately 4.8 million passengers every month.

Dubai Airports confirmed the drastic new restrictions, which were due to take place in 24 hours, but were brought forward.

The UAE confirmed 50 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours leading up to the announcement, which brought the nation's total number of cases to 248.

Dubai International Airport is used by more than 86 million people every year, and by 373,000 aircraft making it the world's fifth busiest airport for passenger traffic and sixth busiest for cargo.

All 259 Emirates passenger aircraft will be grounded, including 115 Airbus A380s.