KLM and Delta launch Covid-tested flights | Atlanta – Amsterdam

NEWS RELEASE – 07 December 2020: KLM and Delta Airlines launch Covid-tested flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam.

Comprehensive Covid-19 flight testing program

Aviation partners KLM and Delta Airlines have teamed up with the Dutch government, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to deliver a comprehensive Covid-19 testing program that will allow eligible customers to be released from quarantine upon arrival after receiving a negative PCR test result on landing.

“This is a very important and great step forward. Until an approved working vaccine is available worldwide, this testing program is the first step towards international travel recovery.

“I am grateful for the constructive collaboration with our partners Delta Air Lines and the Schiphol Group and for the support of the Dutch government in making this unique Covid-free travel corridor trial possible.

“All stakeholders should work together to take a systematic approach to rapid testing and build it into the passenger experience so that quarantine measures can be lifted as soon as possible. This is fundamental to restore passenger and government confidence in air travel.” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Atlanta – Amsterdam

The Covid-tested flights go from Atlanta to Amsterdam four times a week, with Delta and KLM each having two frequencies. Only passengers with negative test results will be accepted on board.

The flights will initially run for three weeks and if successful, the airlines hope to expand the program to other markets.

Choosing Covid-tested flights

Customers can choose the Covid-tested flights when purchasing their tickets online or opt for one of Delta or KLM's alternate daily flights between Atlanta and Amsterdam that are not covered by the pilot program.

Entry requirements for the Netherlands

The entry requirements for the Netherlands normally include ten days of quarantine. By completing a negative PCR test five days before arrival in the Netherlands and self-isolating until departure, customers can choose to complete the quarantine before their departing flight.

No quarantine is required on arrival if the customer tests negative through a second PCR test at Schiphol.

Sources: breakingtravelnews.com en news.delta.com† The Dutch government also wrote a piece about it, this one is here to find.