As travel begins to return to normal, airlines are taking as many precautions as possible to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Now, going above and beyond to help their passengers, Emirates Airline has announced it will cover any COVID-19 medical costs.

In an announcement from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and group, he said per directives from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, that the Dubai-based airline would be the first to cover medical costs for their passengers.

“Emirates will be the first airline to offer free cover for COVID-19 medical costs for its customers when they travel in the UAE and around the world,” he said in a statement on Twitter.

“This will boost travel confidence and once again positions Emirates and Dubai as aviation industry leaders.”

READ: A complete list of the destinations Emirates is currently flying to

At present, Emirates is offering flights to over 60 destinations across the globe. With the airline already taking the utmost precautions in order to ensure its employees and customers alike are protected, this extra step is likely to put passengers at further ease when it comes to travel.

The news of medical costs being covered by the airline comes after it was announced it is mandatory for all those entering the UAE to have a COVID-19 test before travelling.

The new ruling, which will come into effect on August 1, is for all passengers including UAE citizens, UAE residents, tourists and those in transit coming into UAE airports on inbound flights or transit flights. Tests must be done prior to travel, a maximum of 96 hours before.

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Feature Image: Emirates Instagram