Frankfurt airport opened a walk-in coronavirus testing centre on Monday, in the hope of reassuring anxious passengers, encouraging travel and supporting "a return to a new normal.”

Pre-flight coronavirus tests available at Frankfurt Airport

Biotech firm Centogene, in cooperation with Fraport and Lufthansa, has opened a coronavirus testing service at Germany’s largest airport. The centre is expected to continue operating until July 31, 2021. Centogene explained that “passengers flying to or from Frankfurt Airport with Lufthansa will be able to perform the test at a sampling centre located near the main terminal.”

Passengers can either take the standard test, which costs 59 euros and gives results within six to eight hours (meaning it's probably best taken the day before flying), or opt for the fast track option, which costs 139 euros and allows passengers to be tested shortly before departure. Even the fast track option takes two to three hours, however, so you will have to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. 

Results from the screening will then be delivered to the passenger digitally via their ticket, “Providing secured clearance for passengers flying to countries with entrance restrictions.” The screenings, which are voluntary, could also help travellers avoid having to quarantine at their destination by proving that they are not infected with COVID-19.

The first testing centre in Germany

The testing centre at the airport in Frankfurt is the first facility of its kind in Germany, although there are several similar facilities in countries around the world.

Dr Volkmar Weckesser, Centogene’s Chief Information Officer, said of the new facility, “Through our partnership with Lufthansa and our medical partner Dr Bauer Laboratoriums GmbH, we can ensure a quick, accurate and secure end-to-end solution that safely reopens air travel and further supports a return to a new normal for our societies and economies.”

Dr Björn Becker, Senior Director Product Management Ground & Digital Services at Lufthansa Group, said that the facility offers guests “a comfortable opportunity to test themselves for flights abroad or a stay in Germany to avoid quarantine.”