Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has joined forces with Mediclinic Middle East to offer UAE-based travelers an at-home COVID-19 test that they can take before their flight. The new offering is all a part of the Etihad Wellness, Sanitisation, and Safety Programme that was introduced to ensure that the highest hygiene standards are at every stage of a passenger's journey.
With some destinations that Etihad flies to requiring a coronavirus test medical certificate before departure, all travelers are advised to check Etihad's website for specific country requirements. Customers traveling to all Etihad destinations can take advantage of Mediclinic service centers throughout the United Arab Emirates, not just in Abu Dhabi.
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Etihad wants to promote safe, hygienic flying
When speaking about the program in an Etihad Airways press release issued today Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Vice President Medical Services, Etihad Airways, said:
"Enabling home PCR testing will remove much unnecessary stress from the travel experience during this challenging period.
" Etihad will continue to work closely with the local authorities and partners to find innovative and convenient ways to protect our guests, and to promote secure and hygienic Flying as the world slowly opens up to international travel."
Mediclinic has 26 clinics in the UAE
Etihad Airways aims to evolve and grow its relationship with Mediclinic to simplify the home testing program as more counties ease travel restrictions and open up their borders to foreign visitors.
When speaking about its relationship with Etihad Airways, David Hadley, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Middle East, said in the same press release:
"Mediclinic is proud to partner with Etihad Airways on this new initiative, which will enable their passengers to undergo COVID-19 PCR testing in the convenience of their homes prior to travel, or at one of our facilities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain or Dubai, should they prefer. All testing is carried out by a trained professional, and our dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratories in Abu Dhabi and Dubai mean that results are available quickly and accurately."
The way the testing works is that when Etihad customers book their flights on Etihad's website, they have to make an appointment for testing with Mediclinic. Passengers can arrange this by either visiting the Mediclinic website www.mediclinic.ae or calling them at 800 1999 in Dubai or at 800 2000 in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Passengers will get their results within 24 hours
Etihad customers wishing to be tested can have a Mediclinic staff member perform the PCR test in their home, or they can visit any Mediclinic facility in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain. All people tested will receive their results within 24 hours of the test swab reaching the laboratory.
Negative result
If your test result comes back negative, you need to print the results out and proceed to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). At check-in, your results will be reviewed before you can board the aircraft.
Positive result
Should your test come back positive for COVID-19, you will not be allowed to fly. The UAE Department of Health will be informed of your positive test result, and you will be required to quarantine under the strict rules the UAE has in place.
While we congratulate Etihad Airways for its initiative in helping its customers get COVID-19 tests,passengers must pay for the COVID-19 test themselves. Etihad says they need to contact Mediclinic for pricing.
What do you think about Etihad and its COVID-19 testing program, and do you think that more airlines should be offering this service? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.