Emirates becomes first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers

Emirates in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has now introduced additional precautions. Passengers on the flight to Tunisia were all tested for COVID-19 before departing from Dubai on 15 April.

The carrier is the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers. The quick blood test was conducted by 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, chief operating officer of Emirates said: “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. The airline has modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons.