Cheaper COVID tests on flights; flydubai allies with UAE private healthcare units

By Rahul Vaimal, Associate Editor
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flydubai
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Dubai’s budget airline flydubai and few other aviation companies are now collaborating with the UAE’s health care groups to provide COVID-19 tests for passengers at a special rate.

On Tuesday the Dubai-based airlines flydubai has announced that it has joined hands with healthcare conglomerate Aster DM Healthcare to offer its passengers the COVID-19 PCR test at a rate of $49 compared to a standard rate of $100.

In a press release, the airlines cleared that this offer is only available for flydubai passengers traveling from Dubai and also only at the 28 testing centers of Aster hospitals and clinics in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

It is also reported that the Air Arabia of UAE and the Air India and the Air India Express of India have collaborated with the health care chain of UAE NMC Healthcare for providing cheaper COVID-19 RT-PCR tests to its passengers.

The NMC healthcare is currently offering the RT-PCR test for $40 at its hospitals and medical centers.

The Pakistan International Airlines and the Indigo airlines of India have also tied up a deal with the healthcare group for special offers, as per a spokesperson of NMC.

The flydubai authorities have stated that to claim the offer the passengers have to produce their valid booking confirmation from flydubai and their Emirates ID or passport.

After conducting the test reports will be issued within two days and if the passengers need the result within 24hours they have to visit any of the  Aster Hospital or clinic branches in Dubai, Bur Dubai, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah or Sharjah.

This offer is valid for all flight bookings made through the flydubai website, mobile application, travel shops, Holidays by flydubai’s portal, its travel agents or its partners.

Hamad Obaidalla
Hamad Obaidalla
Chief Commercial Officer
flydubai

“In this new way of traveling, we recognize that the precautionary measures that are in place result in additional planning and preparation for passengers as well as associated cost. This service, in partnership with Aster DM Healthcare, offers fast and efficient testing at a discounted price.”

Mr. Obaidalla also mentioned their new initiative that gives free global cover for COVID-19 to passengers who book their flights between September 1 and November 30.

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