What to expect when flying Etihad from Abu Dhabi International: airline shares video of enhanced safety measures

From health screenings to touch-free elevator buttons to boarding row by row, a lot of work has gone into making the flying experience safer than ever

"We know it's been a while since we last travelled together and so much has changed since then."

This is the opening statement in a new video shared by Etihad Airways to showcase the new safety measures that have been put in place at Abu Dhabi International Airport and onboard the airline's flights.

"That's why we've completely transformed the travel experience. One that is safer, healthier and with your well-being at the heart of every journey."

Watch the video above to see more.

What will the airport experience be like?

The video showcases the new and enhanced safety features at the airport, such as social-distancing signage, thermal cameras, surface swab technology, self-cleaning escalator hand rails and touch-free elevator buttons.

On arrival at the airport, passengers will be greeted by wellness ambassadors, who provide support and reassurance throughout the journey, starting with online check-in, which is being strongly encouraged.

Fit to Fly, a new self-service check-in and health screening system, is also about to launch. This will read a traveller's respiratory system, heart rate and temperature, which will then be analysed by the team. Once the passenger is given the all-clear, they can move ahead to check-in, otherwise they will be asked to go through a secondary assessment.

As for the flight, passengers will now be asked to board row by row to ensure there are no queues, and strict hygiene measures are being taken in-flight.

Commercial passenger flights in and out of the UAE have been suspended since Tuesday, March 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the country is set to allow residents and nationals to travel to select destinations again from Tuesday, June 23.

Airports across the country have been busy preparing to reopen by installing plastic barriers, social distancing measures and upgrading hygiene procedures. Face masks are compulsory in all airports and on flights, and new PPE-filled vending machines have been installed at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport for travellers to stock up on masks before flights.

"As the rest of the year unfolds, we are going to continue enhancing and improving the travel experience for everyone," Mohamed Husain Ahmed, general manager at Abu Dhabi International Airport, says in the video.