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In recent days, multiple flights operated by Etihad and Emirates have successfully brought hundreds of passengers back to Melbourne and Sydney, as unrest continues in the region.
This morning at 6 a.m., an Emirates flight landed in Melbourne, carrying approximately 270 passengers, which is only about half of its usual capacity.
Yesterday, an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi also arrived in Sydney, touching down around 9:30 a.m., with several seats left unoccupied.
Despite assurances from Foreign Minister Wong that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is collaborating with airlines to facilitate the return of Australians, passengers observed numerous empty seats on these relief flights.
Currently, there are approximately 24,000 Australians remaining in the United Arab Emirates.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government would work with carriers to ensure “every seat [is] filled”.
“That is really disappointing and I’m disappointed with that,” Wong told reporters today.
“So we are seeking to work even more closely with the airlines to try and coordinate that.
“We know that people are very stressed – can I assure you we are working as hard as we can around the clock, including with the airlines and the governments to try and get people home as quickly as possible.”
A spokesperson for Emirates declined to comment on passenger numbers but said around 100 flights were scheduled to depart and return to Dubai today and yesterday.
“Emirates will continue to gradually build back its flying schedule, subject to airspace availability and all operational requirements being met,” the spokesperson said.
“Safety is always our top priority.”
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