emirates becomes first airline to test COVID-19 before flights

emirates says it has become the first airline to conduct on-site rapid coronavirus tests for passengers, with the results available within 10 minutes. the quick blood test was conducted by the dubai health authority (DHA) and is taking place at the group check-in area of dubai international airport terminal 3.

video by emirates

emirates is working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights. this would allow passengers travelling to countries that require coronavirus test certificates for entry to gain confirmation before flying.

‘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,’ adel al redha, emirates chief operating officer said. ‘this would have not been possible without the support of dubai airport and other government authorities.’

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 and passengers are required to wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft. magazines and other print reading material will not be available, and while food and beverages will continue to be offered on board, packaging and presentation will be modified to reduce contact during meal service and minimize risk of interaction.

cabin baggage are currently not accepted on flights. carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. all other items have to be checked in, and emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.