In the departures lounge, masked outgoing passengers lined up at the Emirates check-in counter while an airport worker disinfected dozens of luggage trolleys.

The United Arab Emirates was among a list of countries that suspended all air links with Iran in February, along with nearby Armenia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Turkey.

“My colleagues and I screened the passengers for symptoms with interviews and we also have thermal sensors,” said Nadia Piri, one of the airport’s resident doctors.

Passengers had to fill in forms on arrival, Piri said and would have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Airport deputy head Mohammadreza Karimian said a number of airlines have asked to resume flights to Iran.

“Different airlines have made requests, considering that we observe all health protocols thoroughly,” he said.

Iran has been battling a resurgence of COVID-19 illness, with official figures showing a rise in both new infections and deaths since a two-month low in May.

The health ministry on Sunday raised the overall virus toll to 14,188 deaths, with 209 new fatalities, and over 273,600 confirmed cases.