In response to COVID-19, Emirates has adopted comprehensive measures from pre-check-in COVID-19 testing process to enhanced cleaning prodesures of aircrafts after each journey to provide better protection to the health and safety of staff and passengers at the airport and on board.

Before Check-in

Emirates in coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is testing passengers 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. This test is only provided for Emirates passengers travelling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates.

At Dubai International Airport

Gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees. Thermal scanners monitor the temperatures of all passengers and employees stepping into the airport. Physical distancing indicators have been placed on the ground and at waiting areas to help travellers maintain the necessary distance during check-in and boarding.

Cabin Crew and Ground staff

All cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff in direct contact with passengers are now equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes a protective disposable gown over their uniforms, and a safety visor, in addition to masks and gloves.

On Board Emirates' Flights

Seats are pre-allocated with vacant seats placed between individual passengers or family groups in observance of physical distancing protocols.

Emirates has also modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons. Food and beverages continue to be offered in the form of bento-styled boxes to reduce contact between the crew and customers during meal service, and minimise risk of interaction. The personal boxes provide customers with sandwiches, beverages, snacks and desserts.

Similarly, to reduce risk of spreading the virus by touch, magazines and other print reading material are temporarily unavailable. 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.

Enhanced Aircraft Cleaning Process

All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.

- As the COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted by touch, Emirates uses an approved chemical that is proven to kill viruses and germs, leaves a long-lasting protective coating against new contamination of viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces, and is eco-friendly.

- All of Emirates' aircraft are fitted with HEPA cabin air filters which are proven to filter out 99.97% of viruses. They also remove dust, allergens and microbes from the air recirculated into the cabin and cockpit, which helps to provide a safer, healthier and more comfortable environment for the passengers and crew.

- On any aircraft that were found to have transported a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, Emirates would go even further, and implement deep cleaning and disinfection in a process that takes between six to eight hours to complete. This includes the defogging of cabin interiors and misting with disinfectant across all soft furnishings, and replacement of seat covers and cushions in the affected area.

Click here to watch how Emirates provides comprehensive safety measures for customers and employees at the airport and on board. Emirates is currently operating limited passenger flights from Dubai to: Frankfurt, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Lagos, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manila and Tunis.

Contributed by Emirates