Emirates and Etihad will ground all flights for the time being with immediate effect. The only aircraft allowed to commence a journey will be those currently outside of the United Arab Emirates. The news comes as governments across the globe are enacting sweeping travel restrictions.

The UAE’s flight ban was due to begin tomorrow, however, the government of the United Arab Emirates has brought this ban forward. It is now in effect immediately. No flights will be allowed to leave the country. Only UAE aircraft returning to the country will be permitted to land.