Etihad Airways will require passengers from the UK to present a negative PCR result for Covid-19 within 72 hours of their flight departure time.
Previously, the requirement was for the test to be within a 96-hour time frame.
A statement from the Abu Dhabi-based airline today (December 21) said: “Following an announcement by the National Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, effective 24 December 2020, Etihad Airways requires all guests flying from the United Kingdom to present a negative PCR test within 72 hours validity of their flight departure time.
“Etihad is the only airline in the world requiring 100% of its passengers to show a negative PCR test before travelling and again on arrival into Abu Dhabi, ensuring peace of mind for all on board.”
As many Covid-19 PCR test certificates do not currently show the date and time the test was taken, passengers are required to show evidence of this at check-in, for example by presenting their appointment confirmation.
Children under 12 and people with severe and moderate disabilities are exempt from the testing.