Emirates has introduced a series of Covid-19 safety measures as it resumes regular services between London Heathrow and Dubai.
Masks must be worn on Emirates flights, and gloves and masks will be mandatory for all passengers and staff at Dubai airport.
Passengers will receive complimentary hygiene kits at Emirates check-in, with masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser supplied
Cabin baggage will have to be checked-in, with Emirates advising: “Customers can only bring essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items on board.”
Boarding will be staggered, with passengers boarding by row from last to first in small numbers and waiting areas modified to ensure social distancing.
All passengers will have their temperatures checked by thermal scanners on arrival in Dubai.
There will be protective barriers at check-in, immigration and transfer desks and physical distancing indicators at waiting areas for check-in, immigration, boarding and transfer.
Passengers in transit through Dubai will also go through thermal screening and receive fresh hygiene kits before boarding their connecting flight.
Emirates said boarding gates would be deep cleaned and disinfected after boarding every flight.
On board, cabin crew will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and on flights over 1.5 hours a cabin service assistant will be added to the crew to ensure frequent cleaning of toilets.
There will be no magazines on board, but pillows, blankets and headphones will be available. Emirates will serve hot meals using sterilised cutlery and crockery.
The airline’s crew will undergo Covid-19 tests on each return to Dubai.
Emirates noted its aircraft cabins are all fitted with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters which remove viruses from cabin air, and aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection after flights.
Chief operating officer Adel Al Redha said: “The risk of catching an infection on an aircraft is very low, but we have spared no effort in reviewing and redesigning every step, from check-in to disembarkation.
“Every measure is an additional reduction in risk, and we will continue to review and consult expert advice. Our aim is to make flying as safe as possible.”
