Covid-19 negative test report needed to depart from these UAE airports

UAE - Passengers departing from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport must produce a Covid-19 negative test result prior to their departure, Khaleej Times has learnt.

Sharjah Airport has sent a notification to its travel partners, a copy of which Khaleej Times has seen, that said, "As per the directives received from UAE Ministry of Health, with immediate effect, all passengers departing from Sharjah Airport are required to have Covid-19 negative PCR test with a validity of not more than 48 hours from the time of departure."

It added, "Airlines are required to collect the negative PCR test report at the check-in counter." Khaleej Times made several calls to the Sharjah Airport to verify the notice, and call centre agents confirmed the test has now been made mandatory. The notice has been issued to all airlines, according to the call centre official.

Pre-departure tests mandatory in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, two airlines have made it mandatory to produce a negative Covid-19 test. Etihad Airways made the announcement last Wednesday. UAE's flag carrier has announced on its website, "It is mandatory to have a Covid-19 PCR test before you fly with Etihad Airways, starting Sunday, August 16."

It explained, "Your test can be carried out at any government accredited medical facility a maximum of 96-hours before your flight departure time."

"You will only be permitted to fly if you have a negative Covid-19 PCR test issued by an approved clinic a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time. Remember to print your test results and keep them with you throughout your trip - you will be required to present your result for validation at check-in," passengers were advised.

Air India Express issued a similar notice to its passengers departing from Abu Dhabi. It said, "Effective August 21, all passengers departing from Abu Dhabi Airport need Covid-19 negative test result within 96-hours of departure." An Air India official in the UAE confirmed the reports to Khaleej Times.