Plane travel in the pandemic: Emirates 'world's first airline' to carry out pre-flight coronavirus tests

Emirates says it has become the first airline in the world to offer its passengers pre-flight coronavirus testing, with the results available in just 10 minutes.

Dubai's state-owned carrier worked with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to conduct the Covid-19 testing in the check-in area of terminal three of Dubai International Airport for those travelling on a service to Tunisia on Wednesday.

Emirates said it intends to extend the program to other flights, allowing passengers travelling to countries that require coronavirus test certificates for entry to gain confirmation before flying.

The airline did not reveal the results of Wednesday's testing, how many people travelled or whether if a passenger tested positive they would be denied boarding. The flight was operated on one of Emirates' Boeing 777 aircraft, capable of carrying more than 300 passengers.

The blood test is likely to check for antibodies and may not be a reliable indicator of whether someone is currently infected with coronavirus.

"We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights," said chief operating office Adel Al Redha, adding: "The health and safety of staff and passengers at the airport remain of paramount importance."

The introduction raises the prospect of more airlines following suit in a bid to help restore flight schedules. Carriers around the world are feeling the financial hit of having to cancel tens of thousands of flights and ground fleets amid the pandemic lockdown; Emirates has cancelled up to 70 per cent of its flights.

Emirates also said it is requiring passengers to wear their own masks at the airport and on board the plane. It said gloves, masks and hand sanitisers have been made mandatory for all employees, too.

Magazines and other reading material have been removed from the flight and passengers are no longer allowed to take cabin bags on-board, with all luggage to be checked. The airline said all aircraft are undergoing "enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai after each journey".