Zurich Airport in partnership with Swissport subsidiary Checkport Schweiz AG has opened a COVID-19 PCR testing facility that is already operational from 7th January,2021.
The pre-departure testing facility at Zurich Airport in Switzerland is different from that you find at other airports. The facility uses Enders Diagnostics’ PCR tests which are carried out by saliva sample rather than nasal swab. This allows for a quick return of results, with the passenger informed within 5 hours rather than the 24-48 time period that normally takes to process a PCR test result.
Passengers themselves administer the tests in dedicated test boxes with no assistance required by medical personnel. The Airport states that travellers will have to clean the boxes after using them.
The samples are then transported to the Swiss Analysis AG laboratory 4-times-a-day by courier service. The facility is located on the 1st floor of Zurich Airport’s check-in 2. The facility is open daily from 6:00 to 20:00.
Note: Test samples delivered after 17:00 are processed the following morning.
The self-test kits cost SFr195 (approximately €180) and are sold on site, with no prior appointment needed.
“We are pleased to partner with Ender Diagnostics for the Covid-19 rapid testing center at Zurich Airport. Passengers traveling to countries that require proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure now enjoy a simpler pre-departure procedure. Our new service brings great relief to air travel. We are convinced it will help motivate people to return to flying.”
said David Steffen, Managing Director of Checkport Schweiz AG, on the launch of the testing facility.
Recently, Los Angeles International Airport also launched a COVID-19 testing facility with results in 3 hours.
What do you think of Zurich Airport’s new COVID-19 testing facility? Let us know in the comments section below.
IH Aviation and Travel 