Emirates begins rapid COVID-19 testing for passengers

Every passenger on flights out of Dubai will be tested for coronavirus.
Every passenger on flights out of Dubai will be tested for coronavirus. Photo credit: Emirates

Emirates has begun testing all passengers travelling with the airline for COVID-19.

The airline is working with the Dubai Health Authority to process the tests, which take just 10 minutes to get a result.

Passengers on a Thursday flight [local time] from Dubai to Tunisia were the first to be tested for COVID-19 before departure.

"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," Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer said.

The tests take place at check-in, which has been adapted to comply with social distancing requirements.

Gloves, masks and hand sanitiser has been made mandatory for all employees at the airport and passengers are required to wear their own masks when at the airport and onboard the aircraft.

There has also been changes made to what can be taken onboard.

Laptops, handbags, briefcases and baby items will be allowed onboard, but everything else must be checked in.

Stringent entry restrictions remain in place for anyone needing to travel into the United Arab Emirates.