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Heathrow to offer pre-departure COVID rapid tests as the UK plans to lighten travel restrictions

  • These tests are meant to be revolutionary for the aviation sector
  • The system will initially run on travelers to Hong Kong, country that requires negative tests for entry

Heathrow has launched pre-departure rapid testing facility in Terminals 2 and 5, a critical step in the sector’s recovery, restoring traveler’s confidence and re-opening routes from the UK to the rest of the world.

Terminals 2 and 5 have equipped themselves with advanced tests that allow the passenger to know the result within an hour. These tests have a cost of £80 and are meant to be revolutionary for the aviation sector. The system will initially run on travelers to Hong Kong, country that requires negative tests for entry.

The industry worldwide is moving fast towards testing to avoid quarantine. Heathrow-based rapid testing sites have the potential to facilitate a wide range of testing methods either pre-departure or on arrival, which was already implemented a few weeks ago. The testing facilities will initially be open for 4 weeks, according to passenger and airline demand.

Many other countries are already using testing to keep their borders safe while restarting trade and travel. These facilities will make it easier for passengers going to those countries to get a test and have the potential to provide a service for arriving passengers.

John Holland-Kaye

Heathrow’s CEO

For more information on pre-departure testing at Heathrow, please visit Heathrow site.

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