Etihad Airways to include a Covid-19 test in the prices of tickets for UAE citizens boarding flights from Abu Dhabi. The offer will be valid until the end of the year. The national airline will offer the passengers PCR test at Life Medical Diagnostic Centres around the country as part of their airfare.
Also read: Abu Dhabi Updates Covid-19 Rules For Citizens And Visitors
This Offer Will Not Be Valid For Passengers Travelling From Abu Dhabi To China
The test which costs between AED180 and AED 370 at health clinics, will be provided for free to the Etihad Airlines patrons. However, there’s one rule that passengers have to keep in mind. This offer is not valid on passengers travelling from Abu Dhabi to China. Passengers bound for China must organise a PCR test at a Seha facility, with the test taken within 48 hours of departure.
Etihad Airways First And Business Class Passengers Get The Option To Take The Test At Home
In terms of covid-19 protocols, all patrons are required to present negative test results to board Etihad flights. For passengers travelling with Etihad from Abu Dhabi, the price of PCR testing will be included in all tickets booked by passengers between Thursday, October 1 and Thursday, December 31. Tests can be taken up to 96 hours ahead of a flight’s departure time. First and Business Class passengers have the option to take the test from their homes.
Also read: Stranded In UAE for 10 Years Indian Man Is Finally Going Home
On the same, Dr Nadia Bastaki, Etihad’s vice president of medical services says,
“This is a significant development which allows Etihad to provide greater ease of travel for those departing from Abu Dhabi, by removing as much inconvenience from the PCR testing process as possible. This is one further step in the efforts being made by Etihad to provide a professional, secure and protected travel experience at every stage of their journey with us.”
Etihad has also partnered with Mediclinic Middle East and Seha to offer passengers to take the PCR tests from home; these can still be used, but do cost a separate fee. Besides, the airline has also introduced free medical cover for Covid-19 related expenses for passengers.
In September, Etihad also introduced free medical cover for covid-19-related expenses for passengers. Not only Etihad, but Dubai’s national airline Emirates is also offering free covid-19 related medical cover to the passengers.