IATA and many airlines calls for rapid pre-flight passenger testing to avoid caratine in an attempt to revitalize aviation and tourism.
Austrian Airlines and Vienna Airport have begun using rapid COVID-19 antigen tests. In the initial phase, all volunteer passengers, who fly on the route Vienna - Berlin with Austrian Airlines, will be able to be tested before flights. The study takes place between October 23 and November 8, 2020.
Austrian Airlines and Vienna Airport are conducting the first rapid tests
To this end, the airport has set up a test center in the check-in area of Terminal 3. After performing the test, passengers receive the results in 10-15 minutes, in person or by SMS.
The tests are free and are performed voluntarily. The boarding pass is activated only if the test result is negative, allowing the passenger to enter the security zone, towards the boarding gate.
If the test result is positive, the affected passenger will be cared for by the airport medical service until it is picked up by the responsible health authorities. In this case, the passenger can book another flight or cancel it free of charge.
Travel restrictions make airports and airlines difficult. Passengers cannot rely on a stable flight schedule due to the changing day-to-day situation.
Travel restrictions put airports and airlines in difficulty. There is no stable program.
For this reason, in cooperation with Vienna Airport, Austrian Airlines has decided to show how rapid testing can be integrated into the "boarding process" of passengers.
The Lufthansa Group is working to create processes that allow passengers mobility and freedom to travel, even during a pandemic, while maintaining safety standards. Passengers will be informed of the possibility of testing before departure by an e-mail received before the flight.
At present, the rapid test does not replace the PCR tests required by the health authorities of the destination countries. This means that all passengers must continue to comply with the regulations in place in each country and region.
The obligation to wear masks on board aircraft Austrian Airlines, as well as at airports, remains in force. Exceptions are children under the age of 6 and passengers who can present an appropriate medical statement, as well as a negative PCR test in the last 48 hours.