Lufthansa will start the first test runs for comprehensive COVID-19 antigen rapid tests on selected flights between Munich and Hamburg on Thursday (November 12).
The tests are run in close co-operation with Munich and Hamburg airports – as well as with the biotech companies Centogene and the Medicover Group's medical care centre, MVZ Martinsried – and the airline is offering customers the opportunity to be tested for COVID-19 free of charge before departure on two daily flights. Passengers who do not wish to be tested will be transferred to an alternative flight at no additional cost.
Once the test is completed, customers receive their test results within 30 to 60 minutes. Only if the result is negative will the boarding pass be activated and access to the gate be granted.
Alternatively, passengers can present a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours at departure. Lufthansa will manage the complete rapid test procedure. There are no extra costs for the passenger. All they have to do is register in advance and allow a little more time before departure.
"With our test strategy, we are pursuing the goal of using the data obtained to gain important insights into the use of rapid tests. Successful testing of entire flights can be the key to revitalising international air traffic," said Christina Foerster, Lufthansa Group Executive Board Member for Customer, IT & Corporate Responsibility.
