Lufthansa passengers flying from Frankfurt or Munich will soon be able to take a coronavirus test before their departure or upon arrival, which could allow them to forgo any quarantine requirements.
The airline has partnered with Centogene and Medicare to set up testing facilities offering PCR (antigen) throat swab tests for Covid-19, with the results available within five hours via an app link.
The tests are certified by health authorities in Germany and Austria, Lufthansa’s main markets. Both countries currently have a 14-day quarantine requirement for arrivals from certain countries.
Passengers can register in advance for a test, or proceed directly to the test facility on arrival.
Dr Bjorn Becker, Lufthansa Group senior director product management – ground and digital services, said the move would allow passengers to avoid being quarantined in Germany and Austria by arriving with a negative coronavirus test in their hand.
“Results are usually available within four to five hours after testing, and are linked to the customer’s flight ticket. This makes it easier for them to travel safely to other countries that accept a certified PCR coronavirus test, as well to avoid quarantine.”
Frankfurt passengers can register for a test in advance via the Centogene website. Passengers are recommended to take a test 24 hours prior to departure, or immediately upon arrival.
The testing facility can process up to 380 tests an hour. Munich passengers can register in advice through Medicare.