A pre-departure PCR testing center has opened at Zurich Airport today (January 7) that will offer self-test kits on site with no assistance required by medical personnel. Using saliva samples instead of the usual nasal swabs, the tests are said to be more convenient for passengers. The test boxes are cleaned after each traveler and the samples are transported to the Swiss Analysis AG laboratory four times a day by a dedicated courier service.
The price for the new Covid-19 test is 195 Swiss francs (€180), and the result is available within five hours. Tests samples delivered after 5:00pm are processed early the next morning. Customers are informed of their test result by password-protected e-mail. Currently, the testing facility is operating every day between 6:00am and 8:00pm and can be visited without prior appointment. The test center is located on the first floor of Zurich Airport’s check-in 2. The tests are intended for people who do not show Covid-19 symptoms but need a test for travel or in order to participate at specific events.
“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 Daniel Steffen, managing director of Checkport Schweiz AG, which is operating the facility.
Following the opening of the pre-departure testing facility at Heathrow Airport in the UK on October 20, 2020, this is the second testing facility operated at a major international airport with the participation of Swissport. These pre-departure tests will help passengers meet the requirements of governments around the world, while giving all travelers the assurance that everyone on their aircraft has a negative test result.
