Health passports could be used in Abu Dhabi

Health passports could soon be implemented for passengers arriving and departing Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airlines.

The UAE has been at the forefront of the global travel industry’s recovery, and has positioned itself ahead of the curve thanks to the country’s robust and far-reaching vaccination campaign.

Now, Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief operating officer, Etihad Aviation Group, has told Time Out’s stablemate publication Arabian Business that digital solutions such as health passports are “a big step forward” for the airline.

He said: “The development of health passes are new to the airline industry and COVID-19 tests and vaccinations will be key to get the world flying again.

“Following the success of an initial pilot in September 2020 to digitalise pre-departure COVID-19 test results, a world’s first for the air travel industry, Etihad passengers can now use health passports from a number of destinations, including London, Paris, and Amsterdam, and very soon, from our hub in Abu Dhabi.

“These digital solutions are a big step forward for Etihad’s guests and for the industry.”

Earlier this year the carrier partnered with the International Air Transport Association to launch the IATA Travel Pass for Etihad Airways’ guests.

The pass will log passengers’ COVID-19 test status and allow the airline to auto-populate check-in systems accordingly – even ahead of arrival at the airport.

Fellow airline Emirates also plans to introduce the pass the next month.

Health and vaccine passports are the buzzwords of the travel sector right now. Click here for everything we know about them so far.