EuroAirport prepares for the return of passengers – protective masks mandatory on airport premises

After both France and Switzerland announced an easing of lockdown restrictions, EuroAirport is preparing for the return of passenger and air traffic. The focus remains on protecting the health and safety of passengers and employees. Protective masks are mandatory on airport premises.

After numerous countries closed their borders, air travel came to a near standstill. The lockdown restrictions for the containment of the coronavirus are working, which is why both France and Switzerland have decided on a further easing of restrictions as of 11 May 2020. Several countries and the EU are considering reopening their borders.

The binational airport (EAP) complies with the rules of conduct issued by the Agence régionale de santé, ARS (FR) and by the Bundesamt für Gesundheit BAG (CH). EuroAirport is working collaboratively with its airport operations partners to organise passenger flows and prepare practical behavioural measures for re-booting operations. By coordinating procedures, the risk of contagion at the airport should be eliminated if possible.

For the time being, only one of the three security check areas at the terminal is open to passengers. The others will be opened as the volume of traffic picks up. Check-in counters, departure gates, lounges and sales points will be opened in accordance with official decisions and in consultation with the partners concerned.

Visitors and passengers on all airport premises must:

  • wear protective masks (mandatory)
  • strictly observe minimum distances and hygiene rules
  • Furthermore, airlines may decide to impose further restrictions on passengers.

To protect the health and safety of its passengers, visitors, and employees, EuroAirport has taken the following measures, among others:

  • hand sanitizer stations, barriers and distance markers at all potential gathering places
  • perspex screen dividers at counters
  • intensified disinfection by cleaning teams of heavy-use surfaces and areas such as escalator belts, elevator buttons, door handles, and toilets, as well as check-in and counter areas.

The coronavirus has a huge impact on all areas of life and its effects will no doubt be felt for a long time to come. “It will probably take a long time to reach the passenger volumes of end 2019”, says Matthias Suhr, Director of Basel-Mulhouse Airport, “but we will do our utmost to continue being a solid, responsible and attractive partner for our customers”.