Vienna Airport is offering Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests to ensure maximum protection for travellers during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Molecular biological PCR tests are being undertaken onsite as of today (4 May). Results are available within two or three hours and no quarantine is necessary if passengers test negative.

The laboratory is located in Office Park 3 (ground floor) at the airport and accessible via a roadside entrance. A specimen is collected using a throat swab on payment of €190. Tests are available for passengers and the general public.

Previously, passengers arriving at Vienna Airport had to present a medical certificate confirming they had tested negative for Covid-19. The certificate had to be no more than four days old. Otherwise, they had to immediately enter quarantine for 14 days.

From today, those in quarantine can end their period in isolation by obtaining a positive test result. These will immediately reported to the public authorities and the appropriate steps will be taken to treat those affected.

PCR TESTS AVAILABLE ON SITE

Passengers are informed of the testing opportunity via airlines, in the terminal and on the Vienna Airport website.

The airport said: “Flights are now safer and easier, regardless of whether they involve business trips or urgent trips with on-demand aircraft within the context of general aviation.

“This is particularly the case for trips lasting no longer than four days and for arrivals and departures on scheduled flights to and from available destinations and via the General Aviation Center.”

In addition to Covid-19 test results, passengers departing from Vienna will receive a document to show on arrival at their destination. The document proves they have not been infected with the virus.

The airport explained: “For trips lasting no more than four days, the quarantine obligation does not apply for passengers returning to Austria. This is providing they are subject to Covid-19 testing shortly before departing from Vienna Airport and can present a health certificate showing negative test results.

“Travellers from abroad can reserve an appointment at Vienna Airport in advance by phone and discover if they have to enter quarantine shortly after arriving in Vienna.”

Currently, scheduled flights are being operated from Vienna to Doha, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Lisbon, Minsk and Sofia. The General Aviation Center is always in operation and available for flights on demand and business trips.

Travellers are recommended to find out entry and health regulations at their destination before starting their journey.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PRIORITY

The airport added: “Health and safety when travelling are top priorities at Vienna Airport – Austrian entry and health regulations continue to apply.

”Entry and health regulations and additional protective measures carried out by Vienna Airport, naturally continue to apply, regardless of the results of the PCR tests. The body temperature of all arriving passengers is measured by health authorities at the airport.

“Third-country nationals on flights to Austria from outside the Schengen region are generally prohibited from entering Austria unless they have a valid residence permit. Furthermore, landing bans on flights from specified risk areas are still in effect.”

In the meantime, passengers and employees are required to wear protective face masks throughout the terminal.

Check-in, boarding and information desks are equipped with plexiglass social distancing shields. Distance markings are evident in the boarding areas and hand disinfection stands have been installed in the terminal. Passengers are informed of these measures via onsite announcements and through information monitors.

When busses are used to transport passengers to planes, the number of travellers on board is limited to ensure a sufficient safety distance. Airlines have also introduced their own inflight protective measures, including the mandatory use of face masks on board.