Dubai: Emirates has joined other major international airlines in offering refunds to passengers booked to travel to Zika affected destinations in South America.

The Dubai-based airline made the decision before the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared on Monday the spread of the Zika virus in South America is an international emergency.

"Emirates is closely monitoring developments around the Zika virus. At this time, there is no impact on operations to our three gateways in South America (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires).

However, special provisions have been put in place for customers advised to avoid the affected regions based on CDC guidance, an Emirates spokesperson told Gulf News by email on Tuesday.

“Customers holding a ticket issued on or before 29 January 2016 for travel up to 30 April 2016 may choose to rebook to an alternate destination in the Americas not affected by the virus, or refund their travel to destinations reported to be affected by the Zika virus.”

Emirates is advising passengers who wish to refund their air fare or change their flight details to contact its call centre on 600 555 555.

The airline reportedly made the comments before Monday’s declaration that the virus was an international emergency.

Other airlines are also offering refunds to Zika affected destinations in South America including British Airways, Lufthansa and United. However, some airlines are only offering refunds to pregnant passengers and their companions.

Other major Gulf airlines Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways do not fly directly to South America, however, sell tickets on airlines that do fly to the region through code share agreements.

The Zika virus has been leaking to a rising number of babies born with abnormally small heads. The WHO is advising pregnant woman to delay travel to affected destinations is possible. So far 23 countries in South America and Latina America have been affected including Brazil, Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela.

Emirates is to start flights on March 31 to Panama, which has also been affected. Emirates’ Panama flight will be the world’s longest non-stop service one it starts. The airline has already delayed launching flights to Panama once.