Passengers traveling with KLM must pass a quick test immediately before departure. The negative result must be presented to the ground staff at the gate at the latest. Otherwise, boarding the aircraft will be refused. The background to this measure is an order from the Dutch government. This also applies to all other airlines on routes to the Netherlands.

This duty also expressly includes flight personnel. KLM explains in a statement: “Following constructive discussions with the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), KLM has developed a safe alternative test protocol for crews who leave the airport in countries that are not on the state's list of safe countries stand. This includes an alternative in which, among other things, the rapid antigen test for this crew is carried out at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol before departure to and after returning to the Netherlands. In addition, there are local security guidelines at the destinations. The government has indicated that this protocol meets the requirements ”.

Important! The passengers have to take care of the quick test themselves. The airline does not cover the costs. In Austria, KLM controls the airports in Graz and Vienna. There are test stations at both airports where the antigen test can be carried out before departure. Alternatively, the offers of laboratories and pharmacies can be used. Under this link Aviation Direct has compiled an overview map of the pharmacies that are authorized to carry out rapid antigen tests. The antigen test must be carried out on flights to the Netherlands on the day of departure.

Test opportunities in Vienna and Graz

Graz: “For passengers from Graz: The test facility is located in the airport terminal opposite the airport information. The opening times are coordinated with the departures from 5.00:XNUMX am and open until all passengers have been checked, ”says KLM.

Vienna: “Passengers should go to the health center to receive the antigen test at the airport on the ground floor of office park 3 (glass building opposite the terminal next to the NH hotel) for their morning departure (KL1838). The center will open exclusively for KLM customers at 4:30 a.m. Please register online before going to the airport: https://www.viennaairport.com/de/coronatest Passengers are asked to arrive at the health center on time to ensure they have the results before check-in ends. Only passengers with a negative antigen test are allowed to check in, ”explains KLM.

Carrier is complying with government orders

The airline also writes: “KLM also implemented the flight ban from Great Britain, South Africa and South America to the Netherlands on January 23rd. Freight flights are excluded from government measures. For passengers traveling to Amsterdam from high risk areas, antigen tests are required by the Dutch government in addition to the pre-existing PCR test requirements. The necessary procedures have also been implemented. For a number of customers, the 4 hour limit imposed on this antigen test also creates practical problems, as not all airports in the world have antigen testing facilities. KLM helps customers wherever possible. The operation on the limited number of safe countries remains unchanged. Maintaining safe and responsible flight operations has been and remains KLM's priority, even since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020. This has enabled us to maintain essential travel, repatriations and the transportation of required cargo until now. In addition, KLM has taken numerous measures on board, including HEPA filters, face masks and the adaptation of the on-board service. The safety and health of our customers and employees is a top priority for KLM. KLM wants to continue to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, it remains necessary to consult on effective and practicable appropriate measures for aviation, taking into account international agreements ”.