COVID-19 testing service set up at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport has today (December 3) launched a COVID-19 testing facility as part of a move by its parent company, Manchester Airports Group (MAG).

The announcement means the full range of tests – RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Antigen and Antibody – will be available to all passengers in a new, purpose-built facility just outside the main terminal building.

They will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson.

MAG, the UK’s largest airport group, also became the first operator to give its passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots UK stores.

The news means passengers using Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports will be given maximum flexibility when planning their trips, and comes in the week that the Government lifts England’s international travel ban.

Certain governments allow pre-departure tests to shorten or completely alleviate quarantine requirements in the destination country. Others require them to gain entry.

Having a full range of tests available at the airport – for any passenger planning to fly who does not suspect they have COVID-19 – will let MAG passengers choose whichever process they need to meet the pre-departure testing requirements of many of MAG’s most popular markets, such as Spain and Italy, as well as some long-haul destinations.

Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their self-isolation period on return under the UK Government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme.

The scheme, announced last week, will launch on December 15, and allow 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 a number of countries who are 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.

Manchester Airport managing director, Karen Smart, said: “As the UK emerges from a ban on international travel we know our passengers are keen to start flying again but that many of Manchester Airport’s most popular destinations, such as the Canary Islands, require a negative test before you arrive.

“This new facility will make the process of showing you’re infection-free when planning and booking a holiday as easy and cost-effective as possible in the current circumstances.

“Our new booking platform makes it easy to select the right test for your destination, and at the location that is most convenient for you.”

She added: “Located right by the terminal building means passengers can either opt for a test on the day of departure before they go through security, or visit in the run up to their journey at a time to suit them.

“This also means Manchester is perfectly 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 after five days.

“This is the latest example of MAG leading the way as we look to work with Government and the rest of our industry to get Britain flying again.”

MAG’s testing services are the first to be offered by an airports group at multiple locations across the country.

Testing for travel is likely to evolve over the coming months and MAG’s offering will change to match – whether by offering new kinds of tests or adding more capacity in terminals or through partner locations.

MAG will help its passengers to navigate the various requirements for testing but, ultimately, passengers should always check the latest travel advice from Government before taking a test.

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