Emirates is the first airline to trial a new system of testing passengers for COVID-19 before boarding the plane.

The airline coordination with Dubai Health Authority (DHA), announced it will be introducing additional precautions with travelers on today’s flight going to Tunisia (TUN) all tested for Covid-19 before departing from Dubai (DXB).

The quick blood test was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority at Dubai International’s Terminal 3 Group Check-in area and results were available within 10 minutes, the airline said in a statement.

Magazines and other printed reading material will not be available, and while food and drinks will continue to be served on board, packaging and display will be changed to reduce contact during meal service and mitigate the risk of interaction. Cabin baggage is currently not allowed on flights, the airline said in a statement.

“The testing process has gone smoothly and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dubai Health Authority for their initiatives and innovative solutions. This would have not been possible without the support of Dubai Airport and other government authorities,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer.

“We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it 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,” he added.

Indian airport and airlines are studying this and seeing if it can or should be done in India too, “We are exploring this option,” a senior official of a leading Indian airport reported to TNN.