As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is introducing on-site rapid COVID-19 tests to forestall spread.

Beginning from yesterday, passengers on flight to Tunisia were all tested for COVID-19 before departing from Dubai.

The quick blood test was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and results were available within 10 minutes. This tests were conducted at the Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.

With this, Emirates has become the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers. 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 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.

All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.