Since December 15, 2020, Austrian Airlines has no longer carried out mandatory rapid antigen tests. Until then, the Lufthansa group member had tested such a procedure on flights to / from Hamburg and Berlin. No decision has yet been made about a possible continuation.

A spokeswoman told Aviation Direct: “The trial run for the antigen rapid tests on our route to Hamburg was completed on December 15th. We are currently in the process of evaluating the findings and customer feedback in order to design the further test concept. We tested around 600 people during the test phase in Vienna (including flights to Berlin & Hamburg). In any case, the customer feedback shows that the test so shortly before departure increased the subjective feeling of security. The simple registration process and easy access to the test center in the terminal was also very much appreciated by customers. "

The “sticking point” of so-called “Tested Flights” was that they did not make it easier for passengers to enter the country. Germany insists on PCR results and even these do not exempt from quarantine. Austria has only recognized the results of rapid antigen tests since December 19, 2020, but modified the entry regulations to the effect that quarantine must be entered into from almost all countries in the world. Although there are numerous exceptions in both the Federal Republic and the Alpine Republic, these cases cannot benefit from mandatory rapid antigen tests before each departure.

Obviously, there is no political will in Europe to recognize a procedure that Austrian Airlines tested until December 15, 2020. You are too busy trying to prevent all trips if possible. This is also supported by a statement by the Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), who only said a few days ago that trips are not covered by the “exceptions” to the exit restrictions and could even result in an administrative penalty. It seems absurd that ice skating rinks and ski areas are really cramped ...

How things will continue at Austrian Airlines with the so-called “Tested Flights” is still completely open. “A decision on the future test concept will be made in January. As soon as there are more details, we will of course communicate accordingly, ”said a spokeswoman. “In the meantime, by the way, we have set up a test concept for transfer passengers at Vienna Airport for our Shanghai passengers. Background: When entering China, transfer passengers must have a PCR and an antibody test carried out at the place of departure and at the transfer location, i.e. four tests in total. For these transfer tests in Vienna we will start tomorrow with the offer. ”