Transatlantic partners Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines plan to launch special Covid-tested flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam starting December 15 that will allow eligible customers an exemption from quarantine after receiving a negative PCR test result in the Netherlands. To fly on Delta’s and KLM’s Covid-tested flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam, customers will need to take a PCR test five days before arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a rapid antigen test prior to boarding at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, and another PCR test upon arrival at Schiphol.
Entry requirements for the Netherlands normally include 10 days of quarantine. However, by taking a PCR test five days before arrival in the Netherlands and self-isolating until departure, customers can choose to complete the quarantine ahead of their departing flight. Dutch authorities will not require a quarantine upon arrival once the customer tests negative via a second PCR test at Schiphol.
The Covid-tested flights will operate four times a week from Atlanta to Amsterdam, twice on Delta and twice on KLM. The airlines will allow only passengers who test negative on board. The flights will initially run for three weeks and if successful, the airlines hope to extend the program to other markets.
Customers can choose the Covid-tested flights when they purchase their tickets online or opt for one of the alternative Delta or KLM daily flights between Atlanta and Amsterdam not covered within the trial program.
“Creating Covid-free travel corridors, in addition to the multiple layers of safety and hygiene measures we have implemented through the Delta CareStandard, will provide customers—and authorities—greater confidence that they can stay healthy when flying,” said Steve Sear, Delta international president and executive v-p of global sales.