Emirates begins pre-flight Covid-19 testing of passengers

Emirates becomes first airline to conduct rapid tests for passengers.

Emirates has begun conducting speedy coronavirus tests on passengers before they board a flight.

The Dubai-based airline on Wednesday announced that passengers on flights to Tunisia were blood tested at the airport’s check-in area.

The Dubai Health Authority said “results were available within 10 minutes.”

This practice may be a sign of what the future holds for air travellers as airlines look for ways to make air travel palatable to the public again.

“We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights, Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ chief operating officer, said in a statement.

“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.”

In addition to rapid Covid-19 testing, Emirates has also rolled out a new set of rules for passengers, including the mandatory use of face masks at DXB.

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