KLM, Delta to offer COVID-19 tested flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam

Delta Air Lines (DAL) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (AFLYY) are launching COVID-tested flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam, effective December 15, 2020. The airline partners have worked 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 exempt from quarantine upon arrival after receiving a negative PCR test result on landing in the Netherlands. "This is a very important and great step forward. Until an approved working vaccine is available worldwide, this testing program represents the first step towards the international travel industry's recovery. I am grateful for the constructive collaboration with our partners Delta Air Lines and the Schiphol Group and to have the support of the Dutch Government to make this unique COVID- free travel corridor trial possible. All stakeholders need to work together on a systematic approach to rapid testing and build these tests into the passenger experience, so quarantine measures can be lifted as quickly as possible. This is fundamental to restore passengers' and governments' confidence in air travel," said Pieter Elbers, President & CEO KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The COVID-tested flights will operate four times per week from Atlanta to Amsterdam, with Delta and KLM operating two frequencies each. 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 extend the program to other markets. Entry requirements for the Netherlands normally include ten days of quarantine. However, by completing a negative PCR test 5 days before arrival in the Netherlands and self-isolating until departure, customers can choose to complete the quarantine ahead of their departing flight. No quarantine will be required upon arrival once the customer tests negative via a second PCR test at Schiphol airport. This new protocol will be available to all citizens permitted to travel to the Netherlands for essential reasons, such as for certain specified work, health and education reasons Customers who are transiting via Amsterdam to other countries will still be required to follow entry requirements and any mandatory quarantine in place at their final destination. Reference Link