Emirates introduces new sanitation standards for passengers

Emirates has unveiled a range of sanitation measures for passengers on the ground and on board.

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

Gloves and masks are mandatory for all passengers and employees at the airport in Dubai, while only masks are mandated on Emirates flights.

Thermal scanners at various areas monitor the temperatures of all passengers and employees. Physical distancing indicators have been placed on the ground and at waiting areas.

Check-in

Emirates is giving hygiene kits with masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser to all passengers checking-in at Dubai International Airport and on flights to Dubai.

Transit passengers

Transit passengers at Dubai International Airport will go through thermal screening upon disembarkation. Transfer desks have protective barriers and airport staff, in personal protective equipment (PPE), will direct passengers from a safe distance.

Boarding

Passengers board by row, from the last row to the first, in small numbers. The waiting area has been modified to ensure all passengers observe social distancing. The boarding gates are deep cleaned and disinfected after every flight.

On board

All cabin crew on board will be fully kitted out in PPE. A cabin service assistant (CSA) is on flights over 1.5 hours to ensure lavatories are cleaned every 45 mins.

In premium classes, single use menus and wine lists will be provided. Mattresses, pillows, blankets, headphones and toys will be hygienically sealed. Emirates will resume its service with hot meals, using high quality, cutlery and crockery, sterilised before each use.

Magazines and print reading material will not be available during this time.

The cabin

Emirates’ aircraft cabins have been fitted with advanced HEPA air filters which remove 99.97% of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens and germs from cabin air for a healthier and safer on-board environment. After its journey and on landing in Dubai, each aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitation.

Emirates crew

Emirates’ flight and cabin crew are provided with cars for pick up and drop off at their home at the beginning and end of their duty. Operating crew check in for their rostered flights in a dedicated crew airport facility before being transported to the aircraft. Layovers in destination cities have been reduced where possible and on long-haul flights, where layovers are necessary, crew are put up in individual rooms in hotels. On return to Dubai, where all Emirates cabin crew are based, COVID-19 tests are done on all crew. Every crew member has been mandated a 14-day quarantine in their homes after every flight, unless they are on duty.

Emirates video explaining the new standards