Holidays are back after airport brings in Covid tests
TRAVELLING to countries such as Spain, Greece and Italy could be made easier after East Midlands Airport introduced Covid-19 tests.
Some countries that are served by airlines operating out of the airport require pre-departure tests to shorten or completely alleviate quarantine requirements upon arrival.
Others require passengers to have a negative test to gain entry. This means passengers will be given maximum flexibility when planning their trips and comes in the week that the UK Government lifts England’s international travel ban.
A full range of tests – RT-PCR, RTLAMP, rapid antigen and antibody – will be available to passengers at the airport. They will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider Collinson.
The airport is also offering passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots stores. Passengers will also be able to access Boots’ own in-store RT-PCR Covid-19 testing service, which returns results within 48 hours at more than 50 stores. These are specifically for customers who do not suspect they have Covid-19 and, if booked through the airport’s website, can get a 5% discount.
Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their selfisolation period upon return under the Government’s Test to Release scheme. This launched on Tuesday, December 15, and allows travellers arriving from higher risk countries to reduce their period of quarantine by taking a test five days after they arrive in the UK. Test to Release follows in the footsteps of countries already offering quarantine-free inbound travel to those able to provide evidence of a negative test.
Airport testing prices through Collinson start at £40 for antibody tests, £50 for antigen tests, £79 for RT-LAMP tests and £99 for RT-PCR tests.
The airport’s managing director, Clare James, said: “As England emerges from a ban on international travel, we know our passengers are keen to start flying again. However, many of the most popular destinations that passengers fly to from EMA require a negative test before visitors arrive in the country.
“This new facility will make the process of getting tested prior to departure as easy and cost-effective as possible. It also means that EMA is well-placed to support the introduction of a UK arrivals testing regime, which will enable travellers to reduce the length of time they need to self-isolate if they test negative. Subject to the relevant tests securing Government approval, this could free people from quarantine after just five days.
“Our goal is to make testing available to as many passengers as possible, helping to get the country flying again as England comes out of its second lockdown.”
The testing facility at the airport can be adapted as Government travel requirements change. Its online booking portal will allow passengers to choose the test and testing location, whether at the airport or elsewhere.
David Evans, joint chief executive of Collinson, said: “In order to restore confidence in travel, it is critical that travellers can navigate the many different testing regimes now required by different governments around the world.
“We were the first company to set up Covid-19 testing facilities at a UK airport and our partnership with MAG (which owns Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports) means that these airports now have comprehensive testing facilities. This is a major step forward in opening up the UK to safe travel.”