Abu Dhabi’s Etihad updates rules for passengers coming from UK

Abu-Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has confirmed that effective December 24, all travellers coming in from the United Kingdom will need to present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their flight departure time. This directive came in the wake of an announcement by the National Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.

PCR tests must be conducted at a government accredited medical facility. As many Covid-19 PCR test certificates do not currently show the date and time the test was taken, guests are required to show evidence of this at check-in, such as showing their appointment confirmation, a statement on the airline’s website stated.

Children under 12 and people with severe and moderate disabilities are exempt from Covid-19 PCR testing.

The measures come after the UK government warned that the new virus strain is “out of control”. Several European countries including France and Germany as well as others such as Turkey and Canada have suspended travel to and from the UK.

Etihad Wellness, the airline’s health and safety programme, ensures the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at every stage of the customer journey. This includes Wellness Ambassadors who have been introduced to provide travel health information and care on the ground and on every flight. As part of the Etihad Wellness programme, global Covid-19 insurance cover is included for all passengers travelling with Etihad.

Read more: Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways offers global Covid-19 insurance cover to passengers

Etihad also halted flight operations to Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, until further notice, in the wake of border closures.

Read: UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad suspend flights to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman