Emirates implements thermal screening on its US-bound flights

Emirates has announced that it will be conducting thermal screening measures on all its passengers travelling on US-bound flights departing from Dubai International Airport effective 12^th March 2020.

The thermal scanners will be placed at departure gates for all US gateways, starting with EK231 (Washington Dulles International Airport). In case any passenger is found to have a temperature higher than normal, they will have to undergo further testing.

This is, apart from the other thermal screenings done for all passengers on the arrival as they pass through customs.

Furthermore, Emirates has suspended all flights between Dubai and Italy starting 12^th March. The airline is co-ordinating with concerned authorities to monitor developments closely as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

The airline has taken these measures in response to the latest developments around the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emirates has been co-ordinating efforts in conjunction with local health and regulatory authorities, including the Dubai Health Authority, so as to follow the local and international guidelines around COVID-19.

Emirates gradually plans to introduce thermal screening procedures for all its flights departing Dubai to ensure the health and safety of all passengers travelling abroad.

It is suggested that all passengers arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure of their flight to ensure seamless check-in procedures and to complete their immigration procedures.

Apart from introducing thermal screening procedure, the Emirates has announced several other proactive measures to ensure a safe flying experience, with regard to hygiene and disinfection protocols in all 248 aircrafts departing Dubai on a daily basis. The airline uses high-quality cleaning chemicals effective in killing viruses, leaving a long-lasting protective coating against viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces. The cleaning process includes wiping of all the cabin surfaces, changing head rest covers, replacing reading materials, vacuuming, and other cleaning activities.

In case any aircraft is found to have transported a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, the Emirates implements further deep cleaning including defogging of all cabin interiors, misting with disinfectants across all soft furnishings, and replacement of seat covers and cushions in the affected areas. Moreover, the state-of-the-art air circulation system, using HEPA cabin air filters will also be replaced.

The airline is also helping passengers by offering to change their travel dates or refunding fee on any bookings made prior to 31^st March 2020. The cancellation fee and refund fee are also waived for bookings made between 7^th and 31^st March 2020, irrespective of the date of travel.