Emirates introduces on-site rapid tests for passengers
dubai — Emirates, in coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), has started conducting onsite rapid Covid-19 testing for its passengers, the airline announced in a statement on Wednesday.
All the passengers on a flight to Tunisia were tested for Covid-19 on Wednesday before departing from Dubai. Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site rapid tests for passengers.
The quick blood test was conducted by the DHA and results were available within 10 minutes. This test was conveniently done 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 DHA 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.”
Humaid Al Qutami, DirectorGeneral of the DHA, said: “We are glad to work with Emirates on the successful implementation of rapid Covid-19 testing at the airport for departing travellers. To tackle Covid-19, we have been proactively working with various governmental organisations and the private health sector and we have implemented all necessary measures from public health protection to provision of high-quality health services in line with the latest international guidelines.”
The airline’s check-in and boarding formalities have also been adapted with social distancing in mind. Protective barriers have been installed at each checkin desk to provide additional safety measures to the 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 modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons.
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 minimise 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.