Etihad Airways launches Covid-19 home testing service for travellers

Abu Dhabi - Part of the airline's Etihad Wellness sanitisation and safety programme.

Etihad Airways is now collaborating with Mediclinic Middle East to offer its UAE-based travellers a convenient Covid-19 PCR testing service at their home, or at a Mediclinic facility, prior to their travel. 
This development is part of the airline's Etihad Wellness sanitisation and safety programme, recently introduced to ensure the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at every stage of the customer journey, a statement issued on Monday said.
Also read: Covid-19 home test for Dubai travellers
 
Some destinations may require a negative Covid-19 PCR test result before departure. All travellers are advised to check www.etihad.com for specific destination requirements. Guests travelling to all Etihad Airways destinations can also make use of the Mediclinic service, as well as those crossing the Abu Dhabi border from other emirates to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Vice President Medical Services, Etihad Airways, said: "Collaborating with Mediclinic is vital to the services Etihad is providing its guests as part of the Etihad Wellness programme. We have a paramount responsibility to ensure those who are travelling from Abu Dhabi can do so assured in the knowledge that every effort is being made to care for them at every stage of their journey. Enabling home PCR testing will remove much unnecessary stress from the travel experience during this challenging period.
The airline aims to evolve the relationship with Mediclinic to further simplify the home testing process for its guests as international travel restrictions are eased and more countries open their borders to inbound visitors.
 
David Hadley, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Middle East, said: 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 booking process:
- Guest books a flight at etihad.com
- Guest contacts Mediclinic to arrange an appointment
- Visit: www.mediclinic.ae
- Call:  800 2022
- Email: etihad@mediclinic.ae
Guests can complete a PCR test at one of the Mediclinic facilities in the UAE or arrange a home visit. Test results will be received within 24 hours of the test swab reaching the laboratory:
Negative result: Ready to travel. Guest should print the test result and proceed to check-in for their flight. The check-in agent at Abu Dhabi Airport will review the negative result before completing check-in.
Positive result: Guest will be unable to travel and will need to rearrange a flight for a future date. The Department of Health will be informed and they will be required to follow strict quarantine guidelines in the UAE.
Etihad recommends that an appointment takes place a minimum of 48 hours prior to travel.

• Abu Dhabi