Emirates announced this morning that they would begin conducting on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for their passengers. The Dubai-based airline says they are the first airline to do so.

The airline is offering the blood tests out of the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport in a bid to encourage passengers to resume regular air travel.

The results from the blood test, which is conducted by the Dubai Health Authority, are available in as little as ten minutes.

The airline says they plan to scale up their testing capabilities, as well as extending them to other flights.

“This will enable us to conduct on-site tests and provide immediate confirmation for Emirates passengers travelling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates. The health and safety of staff and passengers at the airport remain of paramount importance,” said Emirates Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha.

In addition to the new rapid tests, the airline has also rolled out updated check-in and boarding rules, adjusted with social distancing in mind.

Protective barriers have been installed at each check-in desk, and that gloves, masks and hand sanitisers have been made mandatory for all employees at the airport.

Airline passengers will no longer have access to magazines and print reading material, and food and beverage packaging on-board have been modified flights to minimise interactions. Passengers can no longer bring cabin baggage on-board and carry-on items are also limited.

Emirates recommenced international flights out of Dubai last week, after previously suspending them during the COVID-19 pandemic.