Etihad Airways said it is collaborating with Mediclinic Middle East to offer its UAE-based travellers Covid-19 PCR testing at their home prior to their travel.

The carrier said some destinations may require a negative Covid-19 PCR test result before departure and Etihad has advised travellers to check 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.

“Collaborating with world-class medical providers such as Mediclinic is vital to the services Etihad is providing its guests as part of the Etihad Wellness programme,” said Dr Nadia Bastaki, VP Medical Services, Etihad Airways.

“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 said it aims 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, CEO of Mediclinic Middle East, said: “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.”

Wole Shadare