If you are a parent of a newborn baby and planning to travel to the UAE, it is a good idea to understand the airline rules.
Etihad, Emirates, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia have guidelines in place for infants on their flights. Also, most of the companies provide discounts and preferences on tickets.
Emirates Airlines
According to the Emirates website, children under the age of two are included in the infant passenger category on Emirates flights. Infants can travel on a parent’s lap and can travel safely in a special seat belt or bassinet (baby basket). You can request this while booking tickets online. Infants less than seven days old are allowed to travel for emergency or medical reasons (in incubators) or if the mother is in need.
Etihad Airways
According to the Etihad Airways website, there are certain conditions for flying on the plane. The child must be more than seven days old, without complications and full term
Must be born. If the baby is born prematurely or with complications, parents must submit a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) and a medical report. A special seat belt can be used to sit safely on the parent’s lap. You can request a bassinet while booking tickets online. They are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fly Dubai
According to the airline’s website, a newborn can travel with an adult after seven days of age.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia classifies children under the age of two as infant passengers, but according to the airline’s website, infants under the age of two are not allowed to travel under any circumstances.
Other provisions
- 3rd day to 6th day – Infant is allowed to travel only if a ‘fit to fly’ certificate for newborns or a form signed by the parent is present.
- Seven days or more – can travel without any restrictions
Can children travel alone?
If your child is between the ages of five and 12 years, you can request for ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ service on UAE-based airlines.
