Lufthansa has opened a new COVID-19 testing facility at Frankfurt Airport. The venture, in partnership with Centogene, allows Lufthansa passengers to take a COVID-19 test before or after taking a flight with the German flag carrier. Results can be revealed in as little as three hours.

As a result of the current pandemic, many destinations, such as Dubai, are requiring passengers to prove that they are free of COVID-19 upon arrival. Up until now, this has proven to be a challenge for many travelers, as such tests were difficult or pricy to obtain. This is no longer the case for Lufthansa passengers at Frankfurt, though.

Affordable COVID-19 tests

Lufthansa passengers departing from Frankfurt Airport will now have the opportunity to be tested for acute infection with the COVID-19 virus. This means that only those with the possibility of transmitting the disease will be identified, and not those who have been previously infected and developed antibodies.

Stay informed: Sign up for our daily aviation news digest.

Centogene offers two different pricing points for COVID-19 testing. For €59 ($66), passengers will get their results in six to eight hours. However, for €139 ($156), passengers will get an express test. This means that results will be available in under three hours. The company also offers an additional option. For €9 ($10), the center will issue an internationally valid verification of the test result.

Lufthansa, COVID-19 Testing, Frankfurt
Despite strict testing requirements, some passengers slipped through. Photo: Lufthansa

The testing center at Frankfurt is located on the long walk between Terminal 1 and the long-distance train station. The facility is open from 07:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Friday. On weekends the facility is open for slightly fewer hours from 09:00-17:00. It can handle up to 380 tests per hour.

Those taking a COVID-19 test at the Centogene center are asked to bring their registration and payment confirmation, a facemask, and a passport. Passengers are requested not to eat, drink, or brush their teeth in the 15 minutes proceeding the test. Tests can be booked online at centogene.com.

Not just Frankfurt

However, it is not just Frankfurt that now offers COVID-19 testing. In Munich, Lufthansa has partnered with MediCare. It is not possible to book tests in Munich online, and they must instead be booked by email. These tests are carried out in the existing Munich Airport clinic, and results are produced within four hours.

Lufthansa, COVID-19 Testing, Frankfurt
For most PCR tests, lab results take some time to come back. Photo: Lufthansa

Commenting on the new testing initiative at the airline's main hubs, Dr. Björn Becker, Senior Director Product Management Ground & Digital Services Lufthansa Group said,

"These test centres offer our customers the opportunity to avoid being quarantined, when arriving in Germany and Austria, with a negative corona test in their hand. This also makes it easier for them to travel safely to other countries worldwide that accept a certified PCR corona test as well to avoid quarantine."

Would you take one of these tests before or after a Lufthansa flight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!