Delta Plans to Test ‘Non-Quarantine’ Flights Between US and Italy | Business

US airline Delta has announced the first “quarantine-free” transatlantic flights, with pre-departure Covid testing allowing passengers to escape 14-day isolation upon arrival in Italy.

Test flights will begin next month between Atlanta and Rome, the first of the type of transatlantic corridor that UK airlines are looking to establish to open up travel on their most lucrative routes.

Passengers must have a negative test three times: first, a PCR test will be performed within 72 hours of departure, then a rapid test before boarding in Atlanta, and another rapid test upon arrival at the Fiumicino airport in Rome.

The trial, which will begin on relaunched services from December 19, will open Italy to U.S. citizens who are permitted to travel for essential reasons, such as work, health and education. Returning citizens must pass a rapid test at Rome-Fiumicino before departing for the United States, which has prevented foreign nationals from flying from the EU.

Delta President Steve Sear said these tests were “the best way to resume international travel safely and without quarantine until vaccinations are largely in place.”

Delta plans to continue blocking the middle seats in passenger cabins to ensure social distancing. According to private risk assessments commissioned by Delta, the risk of Covid-19 infection on a 60% full flight – combined with wearing a mask and improved cleaning – is around one in a million.

Airlines have been pushing for pre-departure testing to end international quarantine restrictions as soon as possible, despite hopes that the vaccines could mean a return to normal travel in 2021.

British Airways recently launched trials with American Airlines from a handful of US airports. However, unlike participants in the Delta trial, who are expected to be granted an exemption from quarantine by the Italian government, BA / AA passengers will simply provide data to prove the regime’s effectiveness to a skeptical UK government.

This week, the UK announced the launch of a release testing program, whereby international arrivals can exit quarantine when they get a negative Covid test at least five days after landing. The government said it would “continue to explore” the idea of ​​pre-departure testing with other countries on a bilateral basis.