SCHIPHOL - KLM flights from high-risk areas to the Netherlands are currently largely empty due to the double test requirement that the government has applied since 23 January. KLM staff are very concerned and voice this via social media.
Passengers with destination the Netherlands must show a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) and a negative rapid test, which must not be older than four hours at the time of departure. There is the problem: that time limit is often not feasible, because not all airports have rapid test facilities on site.
Potential KLM passengers are therefore turning to the competition to return to Europe. Surrounding countries only require the PCR test upon departure. Rapid tests are possible at major European airports, which means that passengers with an airline other than KLM can fly to Europe and travel to the Netherlands after a transfer.
Big concern crew
KLM cabin crew members express their concern on social media about the almost empty return flights. Some quotes:
Powerless and sad. Just got back from São Paulo. Empty. While Iberia to Madrid was full.”
"135 passengers have all done a PCR test, but rapid test is not possible, so everyone rebooked to Air France and British Airways and we returned empty."
“An older Dutch couple was completely lost. They had to drive all over Houston looking for a place where they could do quick tests (for 600 euros).”
"Flight from Buenos Aires back empty, Lufthansa was overbooked."
"Passengers fly back with the competition, turning KLM from the most environmentally friendly airline, into the most polluting."
"The government supports us, but on the other hand they are destroying us through this scheme."
Rapid test up to 4 hours old
The measures that the Dutch government imposes on incoming passengers are much stricter than neighbouring countries, which do not require a rapid test. This severely restricts the KLM operation. Since 23 January, a flight ban has also applied (with the exception of cargo flights) from the United Kingdom, South Africa and South America.
The Dutch government distinguishes between a small group of "safe countries" and countries with a "high risk", which are by far the most. The double test requirement applies to travelers in the latter category. In addition to a PCR test, air passengers must also be in possession of a negative rapid test. The test must be taken immediately before departure. The time between administering the test and boarding the aircraft may not exceed four hours.
Safe countries
The list of 'safe countries' drawn up by the Dutch government that does not require a test to enter the Netherlands is limited: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint-Eustatius, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda , Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and China.
Conversely, many countries have strict regulations for incoming travelers, varying from an entry ban to a quarantine obligation with supervision.