Emirates airline has been named the world’s safest airline during the global pandemic, by Safe Travel Barometer. Safe Travel Barometer, monitors Covid-19 health and safety protocols and traveller experiences on airlines around the world. Dubai’s Emirates airline took the top spot in the list.
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Emirates & Etihad Voted World’s Safest Airlines During Covid-19
Safe Travel Barometer studies the health and safety measures adapted by airlines during the pandemic. The site details more than 1,500 companies across 10 industry categories and 50 parameters. It also analyses traveller arrival information from more than 80 destinations.
Emirates ranked first while Abu Dhabi’s Etihad came second in the rating of airline safety policies during the pandemic. Emirates scored 4.4 out of a maximum 5 for its Covid-19 safety protocols. The parameters that were checked include thermal screening, health declaration forms, complimentary face masks and hand sanitiser for travellers and full PPE for crew. Furthermore, the airline was also applauded for its complimentary Covid-19 insurance and its flexible cancellation policy which allows passengers to receive flight credit valid for two years if travel plans change.
However, Emirates lost points on two factors- not providing full PPE kits to passengers and making it optional for Emirates passengers to download the contact-tracing app.
On the other hand, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways ranked second in the list. Etihad scored 4.3, and was lauded for its Covid-19 travel insurance coverage and its compulsory coronavirus testing before flights. The airline lost points for not allowing passengers to bring carry-on bags on to flights, and having empty middle seats. Delta Air Lines from the US is the only airline which scored points for keeping the middle seats empty.
Also read: Emirates Introduces Biometric Path At Dubai Airport To Avoid Human Contact
The 10 Safest Airlines During Covid-19
Here’s the top 10 ranking, including scores for the airlines deemed safest by Covid-19 protocols, according to the Safe Travel Barometer:
1. Emirates; 4.4
2. Etihad; 4.3
3. Qatar Airways; 4.2
4. Singapore Airlines; 4.1
5. Vistara; 4.1
6. Air France; 4.1
7. Delta Air Lines; 4.1
8. Air China; 4.1
9. Lufthansa; 4.1
10. Iberia; 4.1
On the other hand, three American Airlines, Endeavor Airlines, ExpressJet and SkyWest Airlines scored less than one point.
Also read: Emirates Bags Top Spot of Best Airline Worldwide At Business Traveller Middle East Awards