16 April 2020:Emirates is the first airline to carry out on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers. In coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) passengers on the flight to Tunisia were all tested for COVID-19.
The quick blood test was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (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 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."
Apart from this various other measures are also adopted like check-in and boarding formalities are done with social distancing in mind. Protective barriers are installed at each check-in desk for additional safety to passengers and employees.
HE Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (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."
Gloves, masks and hand sanitizers are mandatory for all employees at the airport. Passengers are required to wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft, and follow social distancing guidelines.
Besides this, emirates have also modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons.