Emirates launches humanitarian airbridge to Pakistan

Emirates SkyCargo has set up an airbridge between Dubai and Pakistan to offer cargo capacity free of charge on flights to transport relief aid to people grappling with the damage caused by the devastating floods.

Cargo capacity on all Emirates' passenger flights to Pakistan will be available to organisations based at the world's largest humanitarian hub, International Humanitarian City (IHC), to transport critical equipment and supplies, food and other emergency relief goods directly to five airports – Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Sialkot, according to an official announcement.

"Emirates is deeply connected and committed to Pakistan," says Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Group Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates. "From our very first flight in 1985 to Karachi until today, we've steadily grown the mutually beneficial air links that facilitate business, tourism and trade between the UAE and Pakistan. HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, have directed urgent aid to Pakistan, mobilising people and businesses across the UAE, and Emirates is ready to play our part."

Emirates operates 53 scheduled passenger flights per week to Pakistan where heavy rainfall has caused catastrophic flash flooding across the country, leaving over 1,100 people dead and millions homeless.

"Any of the humanitarian organisations at IHC wishing to utilise the free cargo capacity to transport humanitarian relief from Dubai to Pakistan may contact Emirates SkyCargo's centralised crisis relief desk on emiratescrisisrelief@emirates.com and emergencyresponse@ihc.ae," the statement said.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Supervision, IHC, says: "Times of crisis are a true test of spirit and once again, we are working with Emirates to respond to a devastating humanitarian crisis, this time in Pakistan, where floods have caused unimaginable losses and damages. We are grateful for the long-standing support of Emirates to the IHC community and its honourable commitment to alleviate the suffering of the victims of these extraordinary floods. Together, we are proud to deliver this vital support to the people of Pakistan."

After the Port of Beirut explosions in August 2020, which devastated many parts of Lebanon's capital city, Emirates SkyCargo had ramped up its freighter operations to Lebanon by dedicating over 50 flights to deliver critical emergency relief and aid to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the blasts, the statement said.