Emirates is stepping up its precautionary measures onboard its flights and at Dubai airport to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew during the global coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic.

All cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff in direct contact with passengers will now don personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes a protective disposable gown over their uniforms, and a safety visor, in addition to masks and gloves.

Passengers have to wear masks and gloves throughout their journey from check-in until they disembark.

Vacant seats are being pre-allocated in between individual passengers or family groups to observe social distancing protocols.

At Dubai International Airport, gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees. Thermal scanners monitor the temperatures of all passengers and employees stepping into the airport.

Physical distancing indicators have been placed on the ground and in waiting areas to help travellers maintain the necessary distance during check-in and boarding.

Protective barriers have been installed at each check-in desk to provide additional safety reassurance to passengers and employees.

Food and beverages will continue to be offered in the form of bento-styled boxes to reduce contact between the crew and customers during meal service, and minimise risk of interaction. The personal boxes provide customers with sandwiches, beverages, snacks and desserts.

Magazines and other print reading material are temporarily unavailable.

Cabin baggage is not accepted on flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase, or baby items.

All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.

All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.

The announcement comes a week after the airline announced that it would begin testing passengers due to board its flights for covid-19, becoming the first airline to conduct on-site blood tests.

Visit emirates.com for more information.