Etihad Airways has extended the travel ban on passengers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka to the UAE until at least July 7, saying it could be extended even further, Khaleej Times reported.

A search on the website of the airline for flights to the UAE from Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore displays a message informing passengers about the aforementioned date.

It said that those who have visited these countries over the past 14 days won't be able to enter the UAE.

"The only exemptions to this is if you are a diplomat or a UAE national or a Golden Visa holder. Your PCR test, in this case, must be taken a maximum of 48 hours before your flight departure," the carrier said.

The report said flights will continue to show as available for the above destinations in the flight search as exempted passengers are still allowed to fly to the UAE.

The UAE had first announced the suspension of entry for travelers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka on national and foreign flights on May 12.

However, the report stated, the cargo flights will remain unaffected.

Meanwhile, the UAE General Authority of Civil Aviation (GCAA) issued a fresh list of safety protocols for passenger and private business charter flights arriving from countries that are currently facing incoming travelers’ suspension.

Measures include mandatory tracking devices for passengers, including golden and silver visa holders said a new safety decision circular issued by the authority.

"The stringent regulations apply to all aircraft operators conducting flights from and to the UAE from the following countries – Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Zambia."

Last week, Emirates had said that the suspension of passenger flights from India to the UAE will continue until July 6.

Overall, passenger entry from 10 countries is currently suspended: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, South Africa, Zambia, DR Congo and Uganda.