Middle Eastern carrier Emirates has carried out blood tests on passengers to assess whether they are affected by coronavirus, ahead of a service to Tunisia.
The airline says the “quick” blood test – carried out at the check-in zone of Terminal 3 in co-operation with Dubai Health Authority – returns results inside 10min.
Emirates chief operating officer Adel Al Redha says the “innovative” testing programme went “smoothly”. The airline has not indicated whether any passengers tested positive for coronavirus. “We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights,” says Al Redha. “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.”
Emirates has taken several steps to reduce the risk of contagion, including installation of protective barriers at check-in, mandatory use of personal protective equipment for employees, and modification of in-flight services – withdrawing print reading material and repackaging catering.
Passengers are being required to wear their own face-mask at the airport and on board, while cabin baggage is not being accepted. The airline is, however, allowing a limited number of carry-on items such as a laptop computer or supplies for infants.
Flight - Emirates passengers undergo coronavirus blood tests before boarding