Consumption and food and drinks are no longer permitted from midnight until at least November 19, 30 due to the latest Covid-2020 protective measures ordinance. However, the companies are allowed to sell "to take away". That leads to an absurd circumstance.

It is only forbidden to consume food and drinks in the catering areas. However, not on benches at the airport, for example directly across from the restaurant. In this way, for example, schnitzel rolls and beer can be bought "to take away" in the restaurant and completely legally consumed or drunk a few steps away. It is not allowed in the restaurant.

It becomes similarly obscure with the Sky Lounge operated by Vienna Airport, because the buffet is closed. All other offers are still available. According to the airport, there is a snack bag that is given when leaving the lounge so that lounge users do not have to starve or die of thirst. This can of course be consumed, for example on the bench in front of the lounge. What the difference between “consumption in the pub” and “consumption directly in front of the pub” lies, can only be answered by the originators of the regulation.

A spokeswoman for Flughafen Wien AG told Aviation Direct as follows: “According to the COVID-19 Protective Measures Ordinance, which is initially valid from November 03rd - 30.11.2020th, 4.11, the consumption of food and beverages in catering areas / lounges is not permitted also for Vienna Airport. Gastronomy operators are free to offer take-away services at the airport; in any case, catering for passengers will continue to be available in every terminal area. (F-gates: Jemis Deli, Juice Factory; G-gates: Henry's; arrival: Mc Donalds and Ritazza (from November XNUMXth), anchor, departure: Air Cafe). The Sky Lounge at Vienna Airport remains open and services are available without restriction, such as free downloads of international newspapers and magazines, relaxation and business areas, showers, smoking cabin, only the buffet remains closed, lounge visitors receive a ' Take-away snack bag '. "

Incidentally, Austrian Airlines interprets the regulation differently. Company spokeswoman Tanja Gruber told Aviation Direct on Monday evening that the carrier's lounge would remain open. The government regulation provides for exceptions for transport companies - for example dining cars or catering on board. However, it is unclear whether Austrian Airlines is referring to this. More details on the AUA lounge in this article.