COVID-19 spread to several travelers on a long-haul flight to New Zealand — likely from an infected passenger who had tested negative prior to departure, a new study says.

The outbreak on the 18-hour flight from Dubai in September also occurred despite passengers wearing masks and gloves during, according to a report Friday from the New Zealand Ministry of Health.

The infected traveler had tested negative using a PCR test within 48 hours of the flight departing and was experiencing no symptoms.

But later it was determined that four other passengers had likely become infected by the traveler while on the flight.

“By combining information on disease progression, travel dynamics and genomic analysis, we conclude that at least four in-flight transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 likely took place,” the report said.

The passengers had been within four rows of one other — and tested positive during the country’s two-week mandatory quarantine upon landing, according to the report.

Using genetic sequencing, researchers determined they had the same strain of the virus, which was traced to Switzerland, the country of origin of the suspected initial case, the report said.

Health officials said it’s unclear whether the passengers became infected before boarding, in-flight or after deplaning — but the findings still suggest there’s risk to traveling during the pandemic.

“This outbreak demonstrates the potential for spread of SARS-CoV-2 linked to air travel,” the report said.

The news comes as Americans flock to coronavirus testing sites this week ahead of travelling and gathering for Thanksgiving — despite warnings from officials and health experts that a negative test could offer a false sense of security.