The second largest airlines of the UAE, Etihad Airways will be providing PCR tests for all tickets booked in the UAE for flights taking off from Abu Dhabi, except to China.
Etihad airlines is partnering with Abu Dhabi based Life Medical Diagnostic Center to provide the PCR tests until December 31.
The aviation group will be offering testing from 48 to 96 hours before the departure, at its collection facilities. Both the first class and business class travelers are given an option to choose to take the test at their homes.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Etihad Aviation Group’s Vice-President for Medical Services, says that it is an important initiative that aids the airline group to offer greater ease in travel for those departing from the capital state, by reducing the difficulties in the PCR testing.
For those who are traveling to China from Abu Dhabi, only the state owned SEHA testing services can be used due to specific testing protocols. To get a boarding approval, the travelers to China must submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a government-approved testing facility within 48 hours before departure.
Travelers leaving from Abu Dhabi to any other destination will have to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours before departure. For travelers to Morocco, an LG antibody test is mandated.
Etihad is also partnering with SEHA and Mediclinic Middle East, for those who want to book their PCR test separately at their home or any other selected facility, with a fee.
“This is one further step in the efforts being made by Etihad to provide a professional, secure and protected travel experience at every stage of their journey with us,” the airline officials said.
