Emirates has unveiled multi-faceted measures for both employees and customers which took effect on 21st May 2020, with the resumption of passenger flights to nine destinations.

“Emirates is implementing a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the traveller’s journey, to enhance the sanitisation of all touchpoints, and ensure the health and safety of our customers and employees. The risk of catching an infection on an aircraft is already very low, but we have spared no effort in reviewing and redesigning every step, from check-in to disembarkation. Every measure implemented is an additional reduction in risk, and taken altogether, our aim is really to make flying as safe as possible,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer.

At check-in, Emirates has introduced complimentary hygiene kits to be given to every passenger at Dubai International Airport and on flights to Dubai. These kits comprise of masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser.

Meanwhile, gloves and masks are mandatory at the airport in Dubai, while only masks are mandated on Emirates flights. On arrival at the airport, thermal scanners monitor the temperatures of all passengers and employees, while physical distancing indicators will help travellers maintain the necessary distance at check-in, immigration, boarding and transfer areas. Protective barriers have also been installed at check-in desks and immigration counters.

Complimentary hygiene kits will be given to every passenger upon check in at Dubai International Airport and on flights to Dubai

The boarding sequence has been staggered and passengers board by row – from the last row to the first, in small numbers. The waiting area has also been modified to ensure social distancing. Emirates boarding agents, dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE), will facilitate the boarding sequence. The boarding gates are deep cleaned and disinfected after the boarding of every flight.

On board, all cabin crew will be kitted out in PPEs, and Emirates has added a cabin service assistant (CSA) to the crew complement on flights over 1.5 hours. The CSAs will ensure lavatories are cleaned at frequent intervals. Each lavatory has been equipped with sanitising soap and hand washing instructions.

To minimise the risk of infection by touch, magazines and print reading material will not be available, and in premium classes, single-use menus and wine lists will be provided to passengers. Comfort items such as mattresses, pillows, blankets, headphones and toys will be hygienically sealed. Emirates will resume its service with hot meals, with cutlery and crockery sterilised before each use. 

Cabin baggage will have to be checked-in, and customers can only bring essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items on board.

Meanwhile, Emirates’ aircraft cabins have been fitted with HEPA air filters which remove 99.97 per cent of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens and germs from cabin air, and after landing in Dubai, each aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes.