Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO of Hamburg Airport, said: "Rapid, pre-flight testing instead of quarantine - this is where I see an opportunity to make travel possible again in the pandemic era. Business travellers need swift connections." The test flights make an important contribution to society by providing practical insight into the use of rapid tests. Hamburg Airport provides the infrastructure and helps carry out the test flights. A service team at the airport helps the airlines with the new processes including passenger guidance and care of passengers with limited mobility.
Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, as part of the Lufthansa Group, started test flights Thursday (November 12, 2020) from Hamburg Airport after carrying out COVID-19 rapid antigen on passengers flying on select routes. Passengers seized the opportunity to be tested free of charge before departure.
Rapid antigen tests - Hamburg Airport as partner
Results available within 30 to 60 minutes
Lufthansa has introduced the rapid antigen tests on two daily flights between Hamburg and Munich. Austrian Airlines has chosen the Hamburg and Vienna route for its trial run. The test is carried out before departure, the results of which are available within 30 to 60 minutes, Lufthansa said. Alternatively, passengers can present a negative PCR test no older than 48 hours at the time of departure. Passengers incur no extra costs. Simply register in advance and allow more time at the airport before departure, the airport advised.
sb/pb