Etihad Airways Includes PCR Test in Tickets Departing Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways is now including COVID19 PCR tests in all air tickets booked by customers in the UAE for flights departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport, with the exception of services to China.

This is expected to continue until 31 December 2020.

The airline is collaborating with Life Medical Diagnostic Center (Life Dx) to offer testing between 48 to 96 hours prior to departure, at its network of collection facilities in the UAE. Travellers flying First or Business will also have the option of selecting tests at their home. The quick and easy process can be booked directly with Life Dx.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Etihad Aviation Group Vice President Medical Services, said, “This is a significant development which allows Etihad to provide greater ease of travel for those departing from Abu Dhabi, by removing as much inconvenience from the PCR testing process as possible. This follows on perfectly from the recent introduction of complimentary COVID19 insurance cover on all Etihad Airways tickets.”

Etihad strongly advises all travellers to visit its website for detailed information on country-specific PCR testing requirements, lists of applicable medical testing facilities, and entry regulations.

Hosam Fouad, Founder and CEO of Life Medical Diagnostic Center, said, “The solution’s main concept is to ramp-up the capacity of Life Dx’s central lab for up to 40,000 tests a day through fully automated state-of-the-art robotic systems and to create a wide network of sample collection centres through partnering with selected healthcare providers across the UAE. Now passengers can book their appointments online easily at their most convenient location and time before their flight.”

Travellers flying to China from Abu Dhabi are subject to specific testing protocols and can only use SEHA testing facilities. They must show a negative COVID19 PCR test result from a government approved testing facility within 48 hours prior to departure, for approval to board.

For all other travellers leaving the UAE from Abu Dhabi, a negative COVID19 PCR test result will be required within 96 hours prior to departure. Those travelling to Morocco will also require an lg antibody test.

For those who wish to book their tests separately, Etihad Airways is also collaborating with SEHA and Mediclinic Middle East, to offer departing travellers the option of PCR testing, for a fee, at their home, or at selected facilities in the UAE prior to their travel.

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