Delta, KLM partner to offer quarantine-free flights From Atlanta to Amsterdam

ATLANTA — Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has teamed up with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to offer quarantine-free flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam.

Starting Dec. 15, travelers will be able to fly from Hartsfield-Jackson to Amsterdam Airport Shiphol four times a week as long as they test negative for COVID-19.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus Pandemic in Georgia]

Here’s how it works: Customers must test negative for COVID-19 five days prior to their arrival, then self-isolate in the days leading up to traveling. Passengers will also be rapid-tested at the Atlanta airport, and then tested again when they land in Amsterdam.

The COVID-tested flights will be available to citizens who are allowed to travel to the Netherlands for essential, health and education reasons.

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Customers can choose the COVID-tested flights when they buy their tickets online.

“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,” KLM President and CEO Pieter Elbers said. “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.”

The flights are scheduled to run for three weeks, but if they are successful, the airlines hope to extend the program to other markets.

“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 President – International and Executive Vice President - Global Sales.

Last week, Delta announced a similar program to allow travelers to fly to Italy without quarantining.

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Delta Air Lines announces first ‘quarantine-free, COVID-free’ flights to Europe (NCD)