Combating Covid-19: Emirates becomes first airline to conduct on-site rapid tests for passengers

Dubai - Results were available within 10 minutes.

By Staff Report

Published: Wed 15 Apr 2020, 3:14 PM

Last updated: Thu 16 Apr 2020, 12:02 AM

Dubai-based airline Emirates in coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has introduced additional precautions.

Passengers on Wednesday's flight to Tunisia were all tested for Covid-19 before departing from Dubai. Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site rapid Covid-19 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.

Today @emirates has become the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers. We thank @DHA_Dubai, @DubaiAirports and all UAE government authorities for their initiatives and innovative solutions that ensure well-being of all. pic.twitter.com/DTHFjcLdZV
- HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) April 15, 2020

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, 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."

Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General 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. We believe strongly that the most effective solutions require close partnerships with other public and private sector organisations."

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.