Emirates has become the first airline to do on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers before they depart. The first try-out with travellers to Tunisia has already been successfully completed.

The carrier has implemented this additional precautionary measure in cooperation with Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The blood tests were conducted at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 and the results were ready within 10 minutes.

“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”, said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer, in a statement.

In addition to that, the airline took some more steps to enhance safety of its passengers and employees. At each check-in desk protective barriers have been installed, while 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.

Also, Emirates does not accept cabin baggage, the carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in.

On 6 April, Emirates re-launched some of its flights to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich. Later on, the carrier has supplemented the list with the following destinations: Tunis, Jakarta, Manila, Algiers, Taipei, Chicago, and Kabul.