Dubai Airports monitoring swine flu but no specific action

Dubai Airports said on Monday it was closely monitoring events linked to the deadly swine flu virus, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned could become a global pandemic.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, told Arabian Business any decision to screen passengers on flights from infected countries such as Mexico, US and Canada would rest with the Department of Naturalization and Residency.

So far there have been 103 suspected deaths in Mexico from swine flu and 18 confirmed cases. More than 1,600 people with respiratory infections have undergone clinical investigation for the virus.

The US has 20 confirmed cases, Canada six confirmed cases, and other suspected cases have been reported in New Zealand, Spain, France and Scotland, according to the WHO.

“Until the extent of the threat is properly identified it is impossible for us to make an appropriate response, but of course we will keep the situation under review and take action as when necessary in a very timely way,” Griffiths said.

Abu Dhabi International Airport authorities are meeting the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD) on Tuesday morning to tackle the issue.

UAE airline Emirates on Monday confirmed its airport staff across the world were monitoring passengers for symptoms of the virus.

"Authorities at all US ports of entry are on heightened alert for symptoms and airport staff are monitoring passengers for signs of illness when they are processed at check-in. Emirates is in full compliance with these measures, and staff at airports where we operate have been asked to monitor the situation and share any information with airport authorities," an Emirates spokesman said. 

Flag carrier Etihad Airways, which runs flights to New York and Toronto, said it would act on WHO advice about screening procedures.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and keeping in touch with the World Health Organisation. The WHO have not issued any travel advice to Toronto and New York and have not recommended screening. We are still flying to those two destinations,” a spokesman for the airline said. 

Qatar Airways said it was still operating flights to New York, Washington and Houston in the US.

Griffiths said Dubai Airport was ‘well placed’ to deal with a potential outbreak of swine flu.

“We have a fully equipped medical centre so if someone did fall ill at the airport, we would take them straight there. The Welcare Hospital is just around the corner, so we are well placed in terms of response,” he said.

“The amount of traffic to Dubai from that part of the world [Mexico] is incredibly small so I don't think there is a any particular high level of risk at this point in time,” he added.

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