Emirates has begun testing an on-site rapid Covid-19 testing
process for passengers that it plans to scale up in the future.
On Wednesday, the carrier worked with the Dubai Health
Authority to issue a blood test for all passengers travelling to Tunisia from
Dubai. Results from the tests were available within ten minutes, and Emirates
said it was the first carrier to conduct testing of that type.
Emirates COO Adel Al Redha said in a statement the process
went "smoothly" and the carrier plans to introduce it on additional
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," he added.
The carrier has introduced other measures to slow the spread
of the coronavirus. It has changed check-in and boarding processes to abide by
social distancing rules, required all airport employees to use gloves, masks
and hand sanitisers and is requiring passengers to wear masks at the airport
and onboard aircraft.
In addition, Emirates has restricted carry-on baggage to
small items such as laptops and briefcases, requiring larger carry-on items to
be checked. Those checked items are being added to passengers' baggage
allowance.
Emirates had grounded all passengers service in late March
but resumed some flights earlier this month.