Tunisia suspends Emirates flights after UAE's female 'travel ban'
Tunisia suspends Emirates flights after UAE's female 'travel ban'
The Tunisian transport ministry has suspended Emirates airlines flights to Tunisia in response to UAE security measures that single out Tunisian women.
1 min read
Tunisian women experienced delays on flights to the UAE [Getty]
Tunisia said on Sunday it had suspended Emirates Airlines flights after a public outcry over security measures in the United Arab Emirates targeting women from the North African country.
The transport ministry said it had "decided to suspend" Emirates flights to Tunis "until the airline is able to find the appropriate solution to operate its flights in accordance with international law and agreements."
A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had to undergo additional examination of their visas.
The UAE said "security information" had prompted the delays.
The transport ministry said it had "decided to suspend" Emirates flights to Tunis "until the airline is able to find the appropriate solution to operate its flights in accordance with international law and agreements."
A number of Tunisian women had said their travel to the Gulf state on UAE airlines had been delayed and some had to undergo additional examination of their visas.
The UAE said "security information" had prompted the delays.
Many Tunisian social media users slammed the move, accusing the UAE of discrimination against women.
Relations between the two countries have been strained in the years following the 2011 Tunisian uprising with the UAE seen as attempting to try roll back the democratic gains of the Arab Spring revolutions.
In February, the UAE lifted visa restrictions on Tunisians that had been imposed two years earlier.
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