Emirates is stepping up safety measures for employees and passengers to prevent the spread of Covid 19. All cabin crew, boarding and ground staff in direct contact with passengers are now provided with safety attires. Personal protective equipment (PPE) including a protective disposable gown, and a safety visor, in addition to masks and gloves are provided for all employees and passengers.
At Dubai International Airport
Gloves and masks are made mandatory for all customers and employees in DXB. Furthermore, thermal scanners fixed in the airport monitor the temperature of all passengers and employees. Physical distancing posters have been placed on the ground and at waiting areas to ensure people maintain proper distance during check-in and boarding.
In addition, protective barriers are installed at each check-in desk to provide additional safety to passengers and employees during over the counter interaction.
On Board
Flight seats are pre-allotted for all passengers traveling by Emirates. Vacant seats are placed between individual and group passengers to ensure social distancing. In addition, a few other in-flight services have also been altered to ensure safety. While food and beverages continue to be served inside the aircraft, precautionary measures are put in place. Food is served in bento-styled boxes to reduce contact between the crew and customers during meal service. Each of the personalized boxes contain sandwiches, beverages, snacks and desserts.
Furthermore, in order to prevent the spread of the virus, the airline has stopped distributing magazines and other print reading material while onboard. Cabin baggage are currently not accepted on flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance. Customers have to wear their masks and gloves throughout their journey from check-in until they disembark.
What Else?
Emirates in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has introduced additional precautions for travellers. Apart from following strict onboard hygiene, the airline has also organized on-site Covid-19 tests for passengers. The blood test is conducted in Terminal 3 and tests are given out in 10 minutes. Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site covid tests for passengers.
Earlier, passengers on flying to Tunisia were tested for COVID-19 before departing from Dubai. Emirates is the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for passengers.
The quick blood test was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and results were available within 10 minutes. The 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.”