Emirates' latest COVID-19 safety measures give a shocking glimpse of what post-lockdown travel could look like, with ground and cabin crew wearing full protective clothing and a ban on large items of hand luggage.

Images released by Emirates on April 21 show uniformed staff members sporting protective disposable gowns, safety visors, face masks and rubber gloves.

“Emirates is stepping up precautionary measures at the airport and on board to ensure the health and safety of its employees and customers. All cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff in direct contact with passengers will now don personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes a protective disposable gown over their uniforms, and a safety visor, in addition to masks and gloves,” Emirates said in the update.

At Emirates' home base in Dubai, gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees. Other airport-based measures include thermal scanners, physical-distancing markers and protective barriers at check-in.

Onboard, passengers will be seated further apart with vacant seats placed between individual passengers or family groups in observance of physical distancing protocols. Refreshments will be served in bento-style boxes to reduce contact. Magazines and newspapers have been removed.

“Cabin baggage [is] currently not accepted on flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase, or baby items. All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance. Customers have to wear their masks and gloves throughout their journey from check-in until they disembark,” Emirates said.

Emirates’ aircraft will also be subject to enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai after every journey.