Emirates and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will introduce onsite rapid COVID-19 testing for passengers, with results available in 10 minutes. The airline says the new initiative makes Emirates the first airline to implement this screening procedure.
The airline commenced the initiative with passengers yesterday on a flight from Dubai to Tunisia, North Africa.
The quick blood test was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), conveniently carried out at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer said: “The testing process has gone smoothly and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dubai Health Authority for their initiatives and innovative solutions. This would have not been possible without the support of Dubai Airport and other government authorities. We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights, this will enable us to conduct on-site tests and provide immediate confirmation for Emirates passengers travelling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates. The health and safety of staff and passengers at the airport remain of paramount importance.”
The airline’s check-in and boarding formalities have also been adapted with social distancing in mind. Protective barriers have been installed at each check-in desk to provide additional safety measures to our passengers and employees during any interaction. Gloves, masks and hand sanitisers have been made mandatory for all employees at the airport.
Passengers are also required to wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft, and follow social distancing guidelines. Emirates has also modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons.
