Emirates airlines on May 21, 2020 resumed operations after the COVID-19 induced-break, with regularly scheduled passenger flights to nine destinations.
With the resumption the airline also unveiled multi-faceted measures for employee and customer care at every step of the travel journey, redefining safety and hygiene standards on board and on the ground.
“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.
“We are working with all the stakeholders in Dubai – including the airport, immigration, health and aviation authorities to implement such measures, and we will continue to review and consult expert advice for any development and changes.
“We are all aware that we have to adapt to different practices during this pandemic in our day to day activities.
All these measures, in combination with the proactive pandemic management strategies that the UAE has taken, show the seriousness with which we are taking the health and safety of our local and global communities and will give confidence to the public,” the Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, Adel Al Redha, said.
To ensure safety at the airport – and also maintain appropriate social distancing – protective barriers are installed at all check-in desks and immigration counters. The airport staff is mandated to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
To further enhance social distancing the waiting area has been duly modified and boarding is ushered by Emirates agents dressed in PPE, who lead passengers to board in small batches.
Emirates has made provision for all cabin crew to be duly dressed in PPE kits. The lavatories will be cleaned at interval of every 45 minutes and will be equipped with hand washing instructions and sanitizing soap.
Also, Emirates will not provide print reading material such as magazines on board to minimize the risk of infection from spreading. Meals will be served in sterilized crockery using sterilized cutlery and items such as blankets, pillow, mattresses, toys, headphones etc. will be hygienically sealed when provided to passengers.
