Dhaka: Passengers can no longer use Emirates A380’s onboard lounge or bar as the airline temporarily chose to close it as part of safety precautions to prevent Covid-19 spread.

The airline was prompted by health and safety concerns to alter some aspects of its onboard service temporarily, Emirates said, according to reports.

Passengers from now on until further notice will not have access to the airline’s onboard lounge and social area.

“Emirates expresses its sincere apologies for any inconvenience this has caused. Our clients’ and our employees’ well-being is our first priority, and we will not take any risks,” said the airline.

Earlier, passengers flying in First or Business Class were able to use the lounge, which serves food and beverages onboard. It had enough for 26 persons in the upper deck portion of the aircraft at any given moment.

Due to the pandemic, Emirates has changed its onboard services like many other airlines. The airline thoroughly cleans and disinfects all of its aircraft.

All of its aircraft has HEPA cabin air filters, which remove more than 99 per cent of viruses. Personal protection equipment, such as masks, gloves, and disposable gowns, is also used by the cabin crew.