Bahrain's Gulf airlines eye digital COVID pass

KUWAIT CITY: Some Gulf airlines have started using the digital corona passport issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), while the concerned departments in some airlines operating at Kuwait International Airport are planning to do the same in order to facilitate the movement of passengers since the application consists of the health data of the passenger, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting an official source from the airport.

In case some airlines operating at the airport decide to implement the digital corona passport, the system will be tested on some flights with the aim of monitoring observations before its full implementation, the source explained.

Saudi Airlines unveiled its plan to start implementing the electronic IATA document for the traveler through its network of stations but it will not be mandatory, indicating the initial implementation will be on experimental basis in its Kuala Lumpur-Jeddah flight Monday.

Emirates Airlines also announced its intention to use the IATA corona passport system.

The IATA traveler electronic document is a smart application for mobile devices that allows travelers to create digital passports, download test data and coronavirus vaccines; and share them securely in order to ensure compliance with government health regulations at all departure and arrival points.

Kuwait’s Cabinet’s COVID- 19 Emergency Committee discussed a proposal regarding the operation of the Kuwait-London- Kuwait air route by Kuwait Airways, reports Al-Qabas daily.

According to high ranking government sources, the route will soon be operational, and there will be two fl ights per day.