Travel News
‘Big three’ Chinese carriers lost $4.8 billion in 2020 - BUSINESS TRAVELLER
China’s three largest carriers, Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, lost more than 31.7 billion yuan ($4.83 billion) in total last year.
Despite efforts to control costs, the launch of all-you-can-fly deals, and a subsequent domestic rebound towards the middle of the year, the three carriers collectively burned through almost 100 million yuan each day in 2020.
Flag carrier Air China suffered from the biggest loss of 14.4 billion yuan, in part due to its 29.9 per cent equity stake in Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific. This alone accounted for over 5 billion yuan in losses.
Air China also has a large international route network, which has been considerably slower to recover compared to the Chinese domestic market, according to the Global Times.
China Eastern came second with its 11.8 billion yuan loss. A fresh round of outbreaks and lockdowns in Shanghai, its main hub, impacted traveller confidence and operations towards the end of the year, the Skyteam carrier reported in an earlier investor disclosure.
China Southern, the country’s largest carrier, recorded the smallest loss of 10.8 billion yuan. It was the only airline out of the three to post a modest net profit in the third quarter before plunging back into the red during the last three months of the year.
Airport security: FG approves N10.59bn contract for facilities upgrade - BUSINESSDAY
…intensifies debt recovery drive
BY Anthony Ailemen
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved a contract for the provision of Airport Management Solution for the Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu international airports in a bid to strengthen the security around the nation’s airspace.
This is to avoid being taken unawares as recent occurrences had threatened security around some of the nation’s airports, including Kaduna airport that was invaded by gunmen.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in a briefing after the FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, disclosed that some of the facilities which were hitherto limited to Lagos and Abuja airports are now being extended to cover all the five airports, while those of Lagos and Abuja are to be upgraded.
The minister disclosed that the system is expected to, amongst other benefits, enhance security at the nation’s airports, through the electronic surveillance and e-gates system.
These are access-controlled gates to restrict only passengers and staff access to designated areas. The e-gates provide a platform to monitor and control access into the airports including the boarding area.
“This is new and not part of the systems that were being provided for Lagos and Abuja before now,” Sirika said.
The contract was awarded in favour of Messrs Arlington Securities Nigeria Limited, in the sum of N10.59bn, inclusive of 7.5 percent VAT and to be completed in 12 months.
Prior to the approvals, only Lagos and Abuja airports had the Airport Management Solution.
The facility is expected to allow for flexible shared resources for check-in and boarding, such as servers, workstations, associated peripherals between all airlines and handling agents present at the airport.
“This service, as explained, will be in all of the airports, which makes it faster and quicker for passenger processing,” Sirika said.
The services will also be extended to Local Departure Control Systems and is aimed at assisting airlines that are still using manual procedures.
The system secures and accelerates operations at the airports while ensuring better service for passengers, including accepting mobile phone boarding pass or home-printed boarding pass, which was not existing before now.
Other benefits include Baggage Reconciliation System, which allows baggage tracking from arrival, while baggage are dropped automatically into the system and onto the aircraft itself.
“So this will eliminate the issue of missing baggage or mix-up of baggage to arrive at another location not intended,” he said.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed disclosed that Council approved the second phase of Project Lighthouse, which is a component that is meant to expand the debt recovery drive of the Federal Government.
Project Lighthouse is a data engine that collects, integrates and analyses data from revenue-generating agencies in order to create insightful information for improved decision making.
She disclosed that the government, through the process, has been able to aggregate N5.2 trillion worth of debts that are being owed to the government by third parties.
“As at today we have been able to recover N49.7 billion of this amount through the efforts of works we’ve been carrying out through Project Lighthouse and we’re still compiling,” she said.
Messrs Carter House Consulting, a Nigerian technology company, which has been working with the ministry for three years, won the first phase of the contract in May 2019 and also got the second phase in the sum of N316.5 million.
“One major area that we have witnessed remarkable progress is in terms of recovery of debts owed to the government. Generally, revenue loopholes have been aided by poor information sharing enforcement.
“So this Protect Lighthouse shows us that many companies and individuals who owe government agencies have refused to honour their obligations yet are still being engaged and transacted with, and even being paid on government payment platforms like Treasury Single Account,” the minister said.
The Federal Government had in 2019 issued a directive to all ministries, departments and agencies to aggregate and sent to the ministry a list of all debtors and their outstanding amounts that are owed to government agencies.
“This we have put together in one central fund that we call Project Lighthouse. Project Lighthouse has brought together data from the FIRS, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Corporate Affairs Commission, as well as data from BVN in one central pool. Also, we’re hoping we get data from three states; land registry data from the FCT, from Kaduna State, as well as from Lagos State and other states will also be joining in the second phase.
“So what this has done is enabling us to identify revenues that the government can collect and actually be able to use the common platform to collect some revenues. We’re leveraging this project to enhance our revenue collection capabilities,” she said.
High Airfares May Linger Till July, Analysts Predict - THISDAY
By Chinedu Eze
There are indications that the current high airfares being charged on domestic destinations might linger till July when it is expected that Nigerian airlines would bring in more aircraft from maintenance facilities overseas.
THISDAY investigations revealed that currently there is paucity of aircraft operating domestic service at a time more people have chosen to travel by air due to insecurity on the roads.
THISDAY checks also indicated that air fares have increased further as the Easter season draws closer as one-way ticket costs between N60, 000 to N70, 000, and got as high as N85, 000 for economy class.
On Wednesday, March 30, 2021, the lowest fare was about N60, 000 for one hour flights and to all destinations, and as high as N85, 000 for economy class and business class was going to N150, 000 and above.
A travel agent who pleaded to remain anonymous, told THISDAY that, “There is no more average ticket fare now. Everything has gone up. I bought economy ticket for N60, 000 Air Peace, N65, 000, Dana Air.
“Arik Air tickets went up to N70, 000 and even the new airline, United Nigeria and Ibom Air are selling tickets at over N70, 000. They said the cause is the increase in price of aviation fuel.”
THISDAY also gathered that besides the fact that more people now travel by air and the price of aviation fuel has increased, Nigerian airlines do not have enough equipment that could reach equilibrium with passenger demand.
Some of the airlines have their aircraft ferried overseas for mandatory checks and were yet to be brought back because the maintenance facilities have not completed work on the equipment due to hiccups occasioned by COVID-19.
Spokesman of Air Peace, Stanley Olise, told THISDAY that there was expectation that more aircraft would have returned by July, saying that when more aircraft are brought in they would meet the passengers demand and tame the high airfares.
“I am hopeful. You know we have a lot of aircraft outside. By July many of them would have come back and likely the fares will come down,” he added.
But Corporate Communications Manager, Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa expressed doubt that airfares would come down in July.
According to him, besides the paucity of aircraft, there are other factors that influence airfares and these include increase in demand, cost of aviation fuel, charges, tariffs charged on aircraft spares and others.
He said since October last year airfares have remained high, not bowing to low or high seasons because consistent high demand has obliterated the traditional high and low seasons which peaks in December and comes down in January.
“I do not have 100 per cent confidence that the fares will come down in July or any time because a lot of things determine the increase besides the availability of more aircraft.
“More aircraft may come and may not have impact on the fares because more people travel by air every day. Some factors influence the price of tickets and these include duties, cost of fuel, demand and supply and exchange rate.
“So if by July all these parameters remain the same, airfares may not likely going to come down,” Ezenwa said.
He said the only way travellers could get cheap fares was to book their flights early, adding that once a passenger buys ticket one or two days to his flight date the fares are likely going to be high, adding that for domestic air travel, there are no more high or low season.
“Before now we used to have high season and low season. High season peaks in December and low season is January and after Easter the high seasons continues into summer; but since October last year the season has remained high.
“So that projection that fares will come down might not work. The secret is to book early. Plan your trip early. Plan early and get low fare. From the way the demand is rising, the season may peak till December,” Ezenwa said.
Industry insider said that more people travel by air despite the economic crunch because that is the only way to travel safely in the country.
Coronavirus: Dozens of MPs criticise 'divisive' Covid passports - BBC
By Jennifer Scott
Political reporter, BBC News
Demanding a Covid passport as proof of a jab or test to access jobs or services is "dangerous, discriminatory and counterproductive", opponents say.
Baroness Chakrabarti warned the passports risked creating a "checkpoint Britain" as more than 70 MPs railed against their use in England.
Labour's Jeremy Corbyn and senior Tory Iain Duncan Smith are among a broad coalition who pledged their opposition.
The government said no final decision had been made on Covid passports.
But a series of Covid passport trials are being planned to test their use in different venues, the Daily Telegraph reported.
A review is taking place into whether passports could help to reopen the economy in England, with discussions also taking place across the devolved nations.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously said people could be asked to provide a vaccine certificate for entry into pubs in England, saying it "may be up to individual publicans".
Certification could involve people being either vaccinated, having had a recent negative test or having previously been infected, the PM said.
Baroness Chakrabarti told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It's one thing to have a passport to travel internationally, that is a privilege, even a luxury, but participation in local community life is a fundamental right."
She added: "To introduce two queues at the cinema, two queues at the football stadium going forward, is to introduce checkpoint Britain that so many of us just do not want."
The Labour peer, a former head of human rights organisation Liberty, said passports could see "policing power" given "to every bouncer or unscrupulous boss".
"It's a recipe for bullying, it's a recipe for corruption, it's a recipe for discrimination and it's not what we sacrificed so much for as a community over the past year," she said.
The plan could also "scupper things" for hospitality venues who are trying to reopen, Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said.
She told BBC Breakfast: "It is a difficult process for us to implement... and yet today we have not had a consultation with the government about how we would do this in pubs."
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said vaccine passports could also be used as a "tool in the short term" to reopen theatres and sports stadiums.
A cross-party group of MPs and peers have signed a pledge saying they "oppose the divisive and discriminatory use of Covid status certification to deny individuals access to general services, businesses or jobs".
The issue has brought together some unlikely allies, with many of Mr Corbyn's former shadow cabinet joining the lockdown-sceptic Covid Research Group of Conservative MPs in backing the campaign.
Accusing the government of "creeping authoritarianism", Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey said: "As we start to get this virus properly under control we should start getting our freedoms back. Vaccine passports - essentially Covid ID cards - take us in the other direction."
Sir Graham Brady, who chairs the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs, added: "With high levels of vaccination protecting the vulnerable and making transmission less likely, we should aim to return to normal life, not to put permanent restrictions in place."
Privacy campaigning organisation Big Brother Watch also signed the pledge and published a report arguing against the measure.
The group's director, Silkie Carlo, said: "We are in real danger of becoming a checkpoint society where anyone from bouncers to bosses could demand to see our papers. We cannot let this government create a two-tier nation of division, discrimination and injustice."
In the campaign group's report - entitled "Access Denied" - it said if certificates were brought in, it would be "the first policy for decades that could see segregation imposed throughout the population".
Unlikely coalition hardens opposition
Political opposition to the idea of Covid passports is hardening among some, even before the government announces its plans.
The unlikely coalition of more than 70 MPs and peers of varying political colours shows that the issue crosses party lines.
Boris Johnson has talked increasingly openly about the idea in general, perhaps trying to prepare people for what is to come.
But will principled objections to asking people to prove their Covid status scupper the prime minister's plans?
That depends on exactly what is proposed and how Labour and rebellious Conservatives respond.
If and when it comes to a vote in the House of Commons, the government can't be sure at this point that it will have the support it needs.
The campaign comes after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer this week said the use of Covid passports to decide whether people can enter pubs would go against the "British instinct".
A government spokeswoman said: "The review is considering a range of issues, including the ethical, equalities, privacy, legal and operational aspects and what limits, if any, should be placed on organisations using certification."
Meanwhile, the prime minister is preparing to give an update on the UK's Covid situation on Monday.
He is expected to confirm that data suggests the next stage of lockdown could ease in England on 12 April and that a traffic light system could be implemented for foreign travel, with countries being categorised as red, amber or green.
More than 31 million people have received the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and more than 4.5 million have had a second dose, according to Thursday's daily figures.
The figures also show there were a further 51 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, bringing the total to 126,764. Some 4,479 new cases have been recorded.
Emirates Marks UAE Vaccination Milestone - THISDAY
Emirates is keeping the trust in air travel and showcasing the UAE’s remarkable progress in its vaccination programme.
Owing to this, the airline would be operating a special flight on April 10, 2021, that would carry only fully vaccinated crew and passengers onboard.
The special flight EK2021 is expected to depart Dubai International Airport at 12:00hrs local time, to cruise over various areas across the UAE.
The flight will return to Dubai at 14:30hrs local time.
The one-off flight EK2021 is a unique event that not only celebrates the success of the UAE’s vaccination programme to date, but also highlights Emirates’ progress in vaccinating its staff and in particular its pilots and cabin crew.
The airline said aviation has been and continues to be an irreplaceable force for good, connecting people and cities, facilitating important trade flows and passenger journeys that bring economic prosperity and joy to millions of people.
Passengers would have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest A380 aircraft, which features the airline’s brand-new Premium Economy seats, and refreshed cabin interiors across all cabin classes.
“The Emirates A380 remains a customer favourite for its unmatched comfort and spaciousness. From the award-winning ice inflight entertainment experience, to the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge service for Business and First Class passengers, from a full-course gourmet meal in all classes to the friendly Emirates cabin crew, flyers can expect the full Emirates experience onboard this special flight,” the airline said.
Passengers travelling on EK2021 would be able to experience all of Dubai International Airport’s services and amenities on the ground before boarding.
In addition, the airline said customers could also try out first-hand, all the latest safety measures including the new biometric and contactless technology which Emirates has recently implemented at the check-in areas and boarding gates at Dubai airport.
As with any regular flight, customers for special flight EK2021 would be expected to arrive at check-in with their flight ticket, from three hours before flight departure. They would be required to bring their UAE ID or passports, as well as vaccination certificate. All customers travelling on EK2021 would be provided pre-departure rapid Covid-19 testing, free of charge.
How travelers who test positive for Covid can (legally) fly home fast - GLOBAL TRAVELLER
Even the most meticulously organized vacation can be derailed by a positive Covid test.
Travelers may face unexpected quarantines — either in hotels or state-owned facilities — or substandard medical services. Others may be denied the ability to take commercial flights or, if negative tests are required to return, to get home at all.
Travel insurance can help defray quarantine and medical costs incurred abroad. But for those who want to fly home fast, that isn’t good enough.
How to fly home after testing positive
Launched in the spring of 2020, Covac Global transports people home if they have been diagnosed with Covid while traveling domestically or abroad.
The team behind the company also operates a crisis response firm called HRI, which conducts security risk and “traditional medical” evacuations, said CEO Ross Thompson.
The goal of Covac Global is to get our members home at the first sign of infection. Ross Thompson CEO, COVAC GLOBAL
“No other solution on the market would transport you or cover a pandemic or contagious disease,” he said. “Now a few do, but they all either have geographic restrictions and require you to be hospitalized or that it is medically necessary for you to be evacuated.”
Evacuations are triggered when a traveler tests positive for Covid and exhibits at least one symptom of the disease, which can be self-reported, said Thompson. Hospitalizations aren’t required.
Covac Global returns travelers to their homes or to a local hospital — not the closest port of entry — and arranges flight doctors and land and air ambulances, too.
“Going to the Covid-19 ward in a foreign hospital is a bad idea, both medically and psychologically,” he said. “The goal of Covac Global is to get our members home at the first sign of infection.”
Covac Global has completed dozens of evacuations in the past year, from European cities to the Peruvian Andes, said CEO Ross Thompson.
Courtesy of Covac Global
The key? Travelers have to sign up before they leave home.
Memberships are available to residents of the United States and Canada but will open to all nationalities starting in May, said Thompson. Rates start at $675 for 15 days of coverage, which can be used over the course of 12 months, and benefits begin two weeks after signing up.
“We are currently doing an evacuation of a family from Ethiopia back to the U.S.,” he said. “Last week we evacuated a family from the Maldives back to New York — we picked them up via speedboat from their overwater villa, and transferred them right to a waiting private air ambulance.”
Private medical evacuation for Covid is expensive, said Thompson, adding that transports can cost upwards of $200,000.
While there are no restrictions on travel destinations, memberships don’t cover travelers on cruise ships or who attend large-scale events.
What about CDC test requirements?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require air passengers to present a negative Covid test (or proof of recovery) before entering the United States.
“Extremely limited” exemptions are allowed for emergency travel, according to the CDC’s website.
Covac Global’s services fit this exception, said Thompson, adding that the company has never been precluded from bringing a member home. Medical travel must be via certified air ambulance, under the care and recommendation of a physician, and detailed paperwork must be filed with the CDC, U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security.
Covac Global works directly with resorts and villa rental companies, including Exceptional Villas, Hermitage Bay Antigua and Jamaica’s Tryall Club (shown here).
Courtesy of The Tryall Club
“This is the only way a positive Covid-19 patient can enter the U.S.,” said Thompson. “We have had many people call up if a charter or even their own aircraft will be able to bring them home, and the answer is no.”
The Tryall Club in Jamaica partnered with Covac Global to ensure guests had “every option” available to them while on vacation, said Arla Vernon Gordon, a director at the all-villa resort.
Since February, nearly 40 guests have enrolled in the program but to date “no guest has had to use the service,” she said.
A cheaper option for travelers who get really ill
A positive Covid test won’t kick in assistance from travel risk management company Global Rescue, but a hospitalization will.
The company evacuates travelers who require hospitalization — for Covid infections or otherwise — and are more than 100 miles from home. Memberships are available to anyone, regardless of their country of citizenship.
Global Rescue has signed up more clients and partners since the onset of the pandemic than in the company’s entire 16-year history. Dan Richards CEO, GLOBAL RESCUE
Evacuations are to hospitals (not homes) in members’ home countries, and there are no Covid-related exclusions, such as vacationing on cruise ships, said Global Rescue’s CEO Dan Richards.
Short-term memberships start at $119 for individuals and $199 for families (which includes a spouse and up to six dependents).
Global Rescue provides medical evacuation services for NASA and the United States Postal Service.
Courtesy of Global Rescue
“Global Rescue has signed up more clients and partners since the onset of the pandemic than in the company’s entire 16-year history,” he said.
Logistics involving Covid evacuations can “get tricky,” said Richards, adding that Global Rescue has evacuated Covid cases from remote regions, including a severe case from Guam to the United States.
For travelers in North and Central America
Medical transport company Medjet transports its members to a hospital near home, if they are hospitalized 150 miles or more from their primary residence.
Memberships are available to residents of the U.S., Canada and Mexico and cover worldwide repatriation. However, Covid-related assistance applies for travel within the contiguous United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Bermuda and the Caribbean, said Medjet’s CEO Mike Hallman.
It can be just as difficult to be stuck in a hospital five states away as it is to be stuck in one halfway around the world. Mike Hallman CEO, MEDJET
The company added Covid-related services in October of 2020, he said.
“Unlike travel insurance, we have no specific exclusions like adventure travel, motorcycles, paragliding … so cruises are not excluded either,” Hallman told CNBC.
“We were also able to get a member home from Australia early on in the pandemic, during the global level 4 travel shutdown,” he said. “That had a lot of complications, but we worked it out and got them back.”
Medjet has transportation coordinators to track evacuation flights.
Courtesy of Medjet
Memberships start around $99 for eight days of international and domestic travel coverage. People often buy memberships for “big international trips” and don’t think about them for domestic travel, said Hallman.
“It can be just as difficult to be stuck in a hospital five states away as it is to be stuck in one halfway around the world,” said Hallman.
Around half of yearly transports take place after travelers have returned from a “big trip safely and then had an accident or health episode while traveling domestically,” he said.
Ireland adds 26 countries to mandatory quarantine list, removes one - REUTERS
DUBLIN, April 1 (Reuters) - The Irish government on Thursday added 26 countries to a list of states subject to mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival because of the coronavirus, but did not include additional countries from the European Union or the United States.
According to a report in the Irish Independent newspaper, the government had been advised by the Chief Medical Officer to add 43 countries including the United States, France, Germany and Italy to a list of jurisdictions subject to 12-day hotel quarantine on arrival.
A decision regarding "additional states will be considered in advance of the next Government meeting" said the Minister for Health and the Minister for Foreign Affairs in a joint statement.
The states added on Thursday are: Albania, Andorra, Aruba, Bahrain, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Ethiopia, Israel, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Serbia, Somalia and Wallis and Futuna Islands.
Ireland has some of the strictest travel restrictions in the European Union and last week followed England in bringing in hotel quarantine for arrivals of people from countries deemed "high risk" or those without a negative COVID-19 test.
Including the new additions, there are 58 countries on the "designated States" list, most of which are in the Middle-East, Africa, Central and South America.
Austria is currently the only EU member on the list.
Arrivals must quarantine for up to 14 days in a hotel room or can leave after 10 if they test negative for COVID-19.
Travellers from newly-added states will have to book accommodation for mandatory hotel quarantine if they intend to arrive in Ireland after 4 am on April 6.
The Republic of Mauritius was removed from the list. (Reporting by Graham Fahy; editing by Diane Craft)
Onyema - Aircraft Maintenance Abroad Cost Over N1 Billion Per Plane - THISDAY
By Emmanuel Addeh
The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema has revealed that it costs $3 million or over N1 billion to carry out a Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) on a single commercial plane outside the country.
Speaking on Arise News Channel, THISDAY's broadcast arm, Onyema stated that it was challenging having to spend such a huge amount with the current foreign exchange issues, positing that the Covid-19 pandemic has made the situation even worse.
The businessman stated that it was laudable that Aero had to set up a maintenance facility, noting that the company has to get its act together in terms of curbing service disruptions due to issues like unionism. According to him, such a facility ought to be running seven days a week.
"That's one of the challenges we have in Nigeria, having to maintain our planes abroad and doing the checks. For example, when I send any of my 727s abroad, I spend about $3 million for each aircraft before they come back. That's a lot. That's over a billion naira. That's for a two-month maintenance regime and it's a problem," he stated.
On the recent federal government bailout for the aviation sector, Onyema argued that no amount of money given for that purpose would be enough, but stressed that it was also understandable because the government has limited resources.
"A lot of people said the money was too small, yes it was small because just one of your engines will gulp the entire N4 billion, or even over. But N4 billion was given to all of us to share because the government was trying to help us, even if it's just to pay a few salaries. It's not enough, but we shouldn't be comparing ourselves with America. The truth is that we don't have the same capacity," Onyema added.
He stated that it was to the credit of the current federal government that airlines in the country now enjoy concessions on import duties, saying it will encourage others to bring in brand new airplanes and save millions of dollars.
Onyema explained that the country was not immune to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that the airlines have been the worst hit by the situation.
He noted that there have been a reduction in number of flights as Air Peace which was doing about 10 flights between Abuja and Lagos in a day now does two. According to him, while it used to be 120 generally, it is now just over 30.
The businessman said the company currently has 21 planes abroad for maintenance, stressing that because of the Covid-19 restrictions, the workers doing the job have not been able to deliver on schedule because of the lockdowns.
He added that the local airlines had given their foreign counterparts too much space to operate in the past, noting that it was time to take over , reason he recently brought in the 777 airplanes.
Ontario Locks Down With Virus ‘Killing Faster and Younger’ - BLOOMBERG
By Danielle Bochove and Derek Decloet
- Almost half new ICU patients in Canadian province are under 60
- ‘This is a new pandemic. We are now fighting a new enemy.’
Ontario declared a four-week state of emergency after hitting a record for the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care, driven by virus strains that are more contagious and dangerous.
The order imposes restrictions on businesses and residents across the Canadian province of 14.7 million people, beginning April 3. Restaurants won’t be allowed to serve customers except for takeout and delivery orders; indoor public events are banned, with a few exceptions. Supermarkets and pharmacies will operate at 50% capacity and other retailers at 25%. Toronto and some other regions are already under similar rules. The government’s move tightens them further and extends them throughout the province, including Ottawa, Canada’s capital. “The variants of concern are spreading rapidly. This is a new pandemic. We are now fighting a new enemy,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference Thursday afternoon. “Please understand folks, this decision weighs extremely heavy on me.”
Ontario joins a growing number of locations, including France and Italy, that are returning to strict limits on social interactions in an effort to slow the latest virus surge. Even as vaccinations continue, not every area has equal access. Novel variants are hastening the spread, and case rates are rising in many regions.
Ford and provincial health officials were asked why the government would extend measures that are largely the same as those already in place in Toronto and that have failed to prevent a rise in Covid-19 cases there.
But health officials argued that the situation in Toronto would be much worse if not for its lockdown, because the virus is more contagious than it was earlier in the pandemic.
“As the new variant spreads, you will see that Covid is killing faster and younger. It’s spreading far more quickly than it was before and we cannot vaccinate quickly enough to break this third wave,” Adalsteinn Brown, a doctor who is co-chair of the Ontario Covid-19 Science Advisory Table, said at a separate news conference Thursday.
Officials said the main variant spreading in the province -- known as B.1.1.7 -- is 50% more lethal, twice as likely to send patients to intensive care units and three times as likely to require ventilation.
Variants of concern are also affecting younger patients: Almost half of those admitted to ICUs from March 15 to March 21 were under age 60.
Ontario hospitals are under strain, Brown said, with some entire families ending up in intensive care. There are 430 Covid-19 patients in ICUs.
Meanwhile, only 64% of the over-80 population is vaccinated, excluding those at long-term care facilities. That drops to 39% for people 75 to 79 years old and 16% for those 70 to 74.
Overall, Canada has fully vaccinated less than 2% of its population, according to the Bloomberg Vaccine Tracker.
In Canada, a recent rise in cases has meant tighter restrictions in a number of provinces. Quebec said Wednesday it would close schools and non-essential stores for 10 days in two regions. British Columbia, which had managed to dodge the worst of the pandemic, has closed indoor dining, worship services and most indoor fitness activities for three weeks.
Canada’s coronavirus efforts were complicated on Monday when health officials across Canada suspended the use of AstraZeneca Plc’s vaccine for people under 55 for fear of blood clots.
In Ontario, Ford has criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government for failing to deliver adequate vaccine supplies to the province.
“The bottom line is, we need more time,” Ford said Thursday. “We need more time for our vaccine program to take hold.”
Ontario reported 2,557 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, bringing its total case count to 352,460, according to Public Health Ontario. Almost 17,100 residents have been hospitalized because of the disease, and 7,389 have died from it.
— With assistance by Zoe Ma, and Michelle Fay Cortez
(Updates throughout with details of lockdown.)
Which airports are offering Covid-19 tests? - BUSINESS TRAVELLER
Travellers will have to get used to testing requirements should they wish to travel for work or leisure in the next year or so before the various vaccines are rolled out to the entire population.
While hotels around the world are offering ‘rest and test’ packages to encourage stays amid the pandemic, airports too are facilitating travel by setting up Covid-19 testing centres – from walk-in facilities to drive-through services and rapid tests in departure and arrival lounges.
Here, we round up the airports featuring such facilities, telling you how they work, where they are located and the cost of the various services on offer.
Keep in mind that not all Covid-19 tests permit entry into every country around the world. See our feature “Which Covid-19 tests allow you to travel” to find out all the different requirements.
Aberdeen International airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with ICTS UK and Ireland and TAC Healthcare Group to offer PCR Park and Test and antigen tests in the terminals. Customers will have to book appointments in advance directly through the airport’s individual website.
Location and opening hours?
Within the Granite City Restaurant in the main terminal building.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The PCR test costs £80, and results are available within 24 hours.
The antigen test costs £55, with results within 15 minutes.
Athens International airport
How does it work?
The airport has a PCR testing centre for arriving and departing passengers. Visitors will need to register and pay online for the test in advance of arriving. This is also available at Thessaloniki airport.
Location and opening hours?
Athens Medical Centre in Arrivals between exits 2 and 3. Open daily from 0700-2300.
Thessaloniki airport Arrivals level. Open daily 1000-1800.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs €60, and results are available within 24 hours.
Abu Dhabi International airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare to launch an on-site RT-PCR testing lab, offering rapid tests to all passengers arriving at both terminals 1 and 3 and airport staff.
Location and opening hours?
Terminals 1 and 3. Opening hours have not been given.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test is free for arriving passengers, with results available within 90 minutes.
Belfast City airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with healthcare firm Randox to provide PCR and antigen (lateral flow) tests.
Location and opening hours?
The centre is currently being built by H and J Martin Asset Management Services, and it will include a resting area for passengers who have taken their test.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The airport has not listed the price of the tests, but Randox’s website states that the PCR tests cost €99, with results within 24 hours, and antigen tests cost €49, with results in an hour.
Boston Logan International airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with XpresCheck to provide PCR tests, antibody tests, and rapid molecular tests (Abbott ID Now).
Location and opening hours?
In the airport’s International Arrival area in Terminal E. Open from 1000-1800 Monday-Friday.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
PCR and antibody test results are available within 48-72 hours while rapid test results are available within 15 minutes.
The XpresCheck tests are free if covered by insurance. If not, the PCR and antibody tests cost US$75 each (or US$90 together), while the rapid test costs US$200.
Chicago O'Hare International/Chicago Midway International airport
How does it work?
The airports have partnered with Doctors Test Centre and Simple Laboratories to provide PCR and rapid antigen tests later in December. The testing centres will be limited to travellers and airport employees, with test recipients required to show proof of flying or airport employment.
Location and opening hours?
This is still being finalised but the airports have released information stating that there will be a walk-up centre at each airport, and an additional drive-through site at O’Hare.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The costs have not been unveiled yet.
The rapid antigen test will provide results within 20 minutes, and the PCR test within 72 hours.
Dublin airport
How does it work?
The airport has both walk-in and drive-through facilities offering PCR, LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) and antigen tests to passengers and the general public. Tests must be booked in advance via healthcare companies Randox and Roc Doc.
Location and opening hours?
Randox walk-in service: in an existing building close to the Terminal 2 short-term car park.
Roc Doc drive-through centre: Green car park (an in-clinic test is also available).
See available time slots online.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The cost depends on how quickly you need the results.
Randox: PCR test costs €99, with results within 24 hours. Antigen test costs €49, with results in an hour.
Roc Doc: PCR test costs €129, with results available within 24-48 hours. Antigen test costs €89, with results within 60 minutes.
Dusseldorf airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with Centogene to set up a PCR testing centre for departing or arriving passengers and the general public. You do not need to make an appointment in advance, but you must register online here.
Location and opening hours?
Terminal C, public area on departure level. Open daily from 0700-2100.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs €59, with results available within 24 hours.
Edinburgh airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with Express Test to set up a walk-up and drive-through PCR facility. Customers are advised to schedule a test 48-96 hours prior to their departure time, and will be emailed a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate that is authorised by a doctor, along with their test result if they test negative.
Tests can be booked at expresstest.co.uk, and customers will be sent a QR to take along to the appointment, along with passport or employee ID.
Location and opening hours?
Walk-up centre located in departures area. Open daily from 0800-1800.
Drive-through located in front of the terminal in the Fast Park area of the car park. Open daily from 1000-1800.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
PCR test costs £99, with results available ‘typically by 10pm the following day’.
Antigen test costs £50, with results in 30 minutes.
Glasgow airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with ICTS UK and Ireland and TAC Healthcare Group to offer PCR Park and Test and antigen tests in the terminals. Customers will have to book appointments in advance directly through the airport’s individual website. It is only possible to book a test from March 27, 2021 at 1000.
Location and opening hours?
On the first floor of the terminal before security.
The airport also has a drive-through facility for PCR tests which is located in the short stay car park 2.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The PCR test costs £80, and results are available within 24 hours.
The antigen test costs £55, with results within 15 minutes.
London Gatwick airport
How does it work?
The airport is providing an ‘Express Test’ service for passengers, staff and local residents. The centre will carry out PCR tests, with customers are advised to schedule a test 48-96 hours prior to their departure flight. Tests can be booked at expresstest.co.uk, and customers will be sent a QR to take along to the appointment.
The airport has also partnered with Collinson to offer four types of tests – antibody, antigen, LAMP and PCR. Passengers will need to set up an account and book their test online at collinsongroup.com before beginning their journey to the airport. The sample is processed onsite by staff from one of Collinson’s biotech partners, Prenetics.
Collinson is also offering the mandatory Covid-19 tests currently required for all arrivals into the UK, allowing travellers to take the first of their two required RT-PCR tests (the Day 2 test) as soon as they arrive at the airport. The Day 8 test must be carried out by the same provider.
It is also possible to get a test at Boots (pre-booking required), while the airport’s Hilton and Sofitel hotels are offering “Test and Rest” packages that include PCR self-testing.
Location and opening hours?
Express Test is located at the South Terminal’s long-stay car park. Open daily from 1000-1800.
Collinson Testing centre is located at a new drive-through facility in the APH long-stay car park on Copthorne Road. Open daily from 0800-1800.
Boots offers tests at its South Terminal arrivals branch. See time slots online.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
Express Test:
PCR test costs £99, with results available typically by 10pm the following day.
Antigen test costs £50, with results in 30 minutes.
Collinson Tests:
Antibody test costs £40, with results available within 45 minutes.
Antigen test costs £59, with results available within 45 minutes.
LAMP test costs £85, with results available in 90 minutes.
PCR test costs £99, with results available within 48 hours.
RT-PCR package (includes Day 2 and Day 8 tests) costs £198.
Boots charges £120 for a PCR test, with results available in 48 hours, and £80 for an antigen test, with results on the same day.
London Heathrow airport
How does it work?
The UK airport has partnered with Collinson to offer four types of tests – antibody, antigen, LAMP and PCR. Passengers will need to set up an account and book their test online at collinsongroup.com before beginning their journey to the airport. The sample is processed onsite by staff from one of Collinson’s biotech partners, Prenetics.
Collinson is also offering the mandatory Covid-19 tests currently required for all arrivals into the UK, allowing travellers to take the first of their two required RT-PCR tests (the Day 2 test) as soon as they arrive at the airport. The Day 8 test must be carried out by the same provider.
Heathrow has also partnered with Express Test to set up a drive-through PCR facility. Travellers should schedule a test 48-72 hours prior to their departure time and those who screen negative will be emailed a “Fit to Fly” certificate authorised by a doctor, plus their test result. Tests can be booked at expresstest.co.uk and customers will be sent a QR code to show alongside their passport or employee ID.
Location and opening hours?
The LAMP testing is carried out by Collinson nurses at Terminals 2 and 5. See available time slots online.
The drive-through Express Test centre is located at the airport’s N4 car park. opposite the exit to Business Parking (T2 and 3) on Northern Perimeter Road (off Bath Road). Open daily from 1000-1800.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
Collinson tests:
Antibody test costs £40, with results available within 45 minutes.
Antigen test costs £59, with results available within 45 minutes.
LAMP test costs £85, with results available in 90 minutes.
PCR test costs £99, with results available within 48 hours.
RT-PCR package (includes Day 2 and Day 8 tests) costs £198.
Express Test:
PCR test costs £99, with results typically by 2200 the following day.
Antigen test costs £50, with results in 30 minutes.
London Luton airport
How does it work?
Luton has also partnered with Collinson to open a drive-through screening facility offering four types of tests – antibody, antigen, LAMP and PCR. Passengers will need to book their test at collinsongroup.com before setting off for the airport.
Collinson is also offering the mandatory Covid-19 tests currently required for all arrivals into the UK, allowing travellers to take the first of their two required RT-PCR tests (the Day 2 test) as soon as they arrive at the airport. The Day 8 test must be carried out by the same provider.
Location and opening hours?
The drive-through is open daily from 0900-1700 in the mid-stay car park.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
Antibody test costs £40, with results available within 45 minutes.
Antigen test costs £59, with results available within 45 minutes.
LAMP test costs £85, with results available in 90 minutes.
PCR test costs £99, with results available within 48 hours.
RT-PCR package (includes Day 2 and Day 8 tests) costs £198.
London City airport
How does it work?
Collinson is carrying out four types of tests at the airport located in the heart of London – antibody, antigen, LAMP and PCR. Passengers will need to book their test at collinsongroup.com before setting off for the airport.
Collinson is also offering the mandatory Covid-19 tests currently required for all arrivals into the UK, allowing travellers to take the first of their two required RT-PCR tests (the Day 2 test) as soon as they arrive at the airport. The Day 8 test must be carried out by the same provider.
Location and opening hours?
The departures hall in the Main Terminal. See available time slots online.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
Antibody test costs £40, with results available within 45 minutes.
Antigen test costs £59, with results available within 45 minutes.
LAMP test costs £85, with results available in 90 minutes.
PCR test costs £99, with results available within 48 hours.
RT-PCR package (includes Day 2 and Day 8 tests) costs £198.
Frankfurt airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with Centogene to offer PCR tests and rapid antigen tests to all travellers. Customers must first register at corona.centogene.com.
Note that passengers booked on selected Lufthansa flights from Munich to Hamburg will undero mandatory testing before boarding.
Location and opening hours?
The pedestrian bridge connecting Terminal 1 and the mainline railway station. Open daily from 0600-2000 (antigen test 0600-1800 daily).
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The cost depends on how quickly you need the results.
PCR test costs €69 for results within 24 hours. Results within 12 hours costs €79, and results within six hours costs €139.
Antigen test costs €59, with results available in two and a half hours.
Hong Kong International airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with biotech company Prenetics (as seen at Heathrow) to offer rapid PCR tests for departing travellers. Customers must arrive at the designated venue at the airport at least four hours prior to boarding. Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance and are strongly recommended. The results can be uploaded to digital health passes, where available, and will be accepted anywhere a PCR test is required, according to Prenetics.
Prenetics will be joined by a second test provider, Raffles Medical Group, on December 21. Raffles will offer a 24-hour turnaround time for test specimens collected before noon each day.
Location and opening hours?
The Prenetics testing is carried out at Terminal 1 L5 Counter A03 (opposite Arrivals Hall A). Open daily from 0930-1800.
The Raffles Medical Group testing will be carried out at Terminal 1 L6, 6T104 (accessed by lifts near L7 departures level Aisle A). Open daily from 0700-2359.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The Prenetics test costs HK$499, and results are available within two hours.
John F. Kennedy International airport
How does it work?
As with Boston Logan International, JFK has partnered with XpresCheck to provide PCR, antibody and rapid tests.
JFK also has a free walk-in testing centre in Terminal 5 operated by NYC Health and Hospitals, with clinicians offering PCR tests with no appointment necessary.
Location and opening hours?
The XpresCheck testing centre is located in Terminal 4, Level 1. Open from 1000-1800 Monday-Friday.
The NYC Health and Hospitals testing centre is located in Terminal 5. Open daily from 0900-1900. (LaGuardia airport has the same service on the first floor of the Terminal B car park).
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The NYC Health and Hospitals test is free-of-charge to all passengers with no insurance required. The results are shared within 48 hours.
The XpresCheck tests are free if covered by insurance. If not, the PCR and antibody tests cost US$75 each (or US$90 together), while the rapid test costs US$200. PCR and antibody test results are available within 48-72 hours while rapid test results are available within 15 minutes.
Keflavik airport
How does it work?
This airport in Iceland provides a PCR test for international arrivals. Travellers are encouraged to pre-register before arriving in Iceland to shorten waiting times.
Note that arrivals to Iceland must undergo another test at health centres across the country after five days’ quarantine.
Location and opening hours?
The testing centre is located in the arrivals hall. See available time slots online.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The results of the test are available within 12 hours.
The test costs approximately £52 if paid in advance, and £65 at the point of entry. This includes the charge for the second test.
The tests will be free-of-charge from December 1 until January 30, 2021 to “encourage people to be tested rather than to commit to a period in quarantine”.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport
How does it work?
The Mumbai airport is offering PCR testing for all international arriving passengers. During this time, passengers will be offered complimentary food and drink from a special menu in the lounge.
Location and opening hours?
In T2 Arrivals Lounge Area. Open 24/7.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs £40, with results available within eight hours
Los Angeles International airport
How does it work?
Los Angeles International airport has launched a new onsite Covid-19 screening lab with three locations offering PCR tests. Pre-scheduled appointments are recommended at all locations, although “some walk-up appointments may be available at the in-terminal locations based on demand”. The airport also plans to add a rapid antigen test option later in December.
Customers will receive an itemized receipt, which can be submitted to insurance providers for reimbursement where tests are covered by healthcare providers.
Location and opening hours?
There’s a primary lab and collection site located across from Terminal 6 on the Lower/Arrivals level, which returns results in three to five hours. This centre is open from 0800-1800 daily.
There are two further locations (in the Tom Bradley International Terminal on the Upper/Departures level at the check-in counters located in Aisle C, and in Terminal 2’s Lower/Arrivals Level baggage claim area) with results available in “under 24 hours”. These sites are open from 0800-1900 daily.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs US$125, with results available within three to five hours or 24 hours depending on location (see above).
Luxembourg airport
How does it work?
Upon arrival at Luxembourg airport, passengers will receive a voucher for a Covid-19 test at baggage claim which can be used either for a PCR test or a rapid antigen test. The airport has collaborated with the Laboratoire national de la Santé to carry out the tests.
Location and opening hours?
The PCR test station is located at the exit of the arrivals hall.
The rapid antigen test station is set up at the current exit of the departures hall.
Opening times are based on the flight schedule.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The tests are free. Antigen test results are available within three hours, and PCR results within 1-2 days “depending on the capacity of national laboratories”.
Manchester Airports Group
How does it work?
The UK’s largest airport group has partnered with Collinson to offer four types of test to inbound and outbound passengers at Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports.
The group also offers passengers five per cent off pre-departure RT-PCR tests at selected Boots stores, which customers can access through the airport’s website. The airport’s online booking portal allows passengers to choose the correct test for their specific requirements, stating that this might be at the airport or at one of the Boots stores across the UK.
Collinson is also offering the mandatory Covid-19 tests currently required for all arrivals into the UK, allowing travellers to take the first of their two required RT-PCR tests (the Day 2 test) as soon as they arrive at the airport. The Day 8 test must be carried out by the same provider.
Location and opening hours?
East Midlands airport: Short stay car park 1. Open daily from 0700-1600.
London Stansted airport: Adjacent to WH Smith in Arrivals. Open daily 0700-1900.
Manchester airport: Terminal 1 short stay car park. Open daily 0700-1900.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
Antibody test costs £40, with results available within 45 minutes.
Antigen test costs £59, with results available within 45 minutes.
LAMP test costs £85, with results available in 90 minutes.
PCR test costs £99, with results available within 48 hours.
RT-PCR package (includes Day 2 and Day 8 tests) costs £198.
eastmidlandsairport.com; stanstedairport.com; manchesterairport.co.uk
Munich airport
How does it work?
The airport has two centres offering PCR tests. The Aicher Ambulanz Union (AAU) is offering free-of-charge tests to both the public and passengers. Travellers can also use the ‘Test and Fly’ centre, operated by MVZ Martinsried. Passengers must register online and make an appointment before arriving at the airport. Outside of these hours, departing passengers only can get a PCR, antigen or antibody test by Medicare in the airport’s medical centre.
Note that passengers booked on selected Lufthansa flights from Munich to Hamburg will undergo mandatory testing before boarding.
Location and opening hours?
AAU tests are at level 4 of the Forum of the Munich Airport Centre (MAC). The centre is open daily from 0600-0000.
The ‘Test and Fly’ centre is located in Terminal 2, Level 4. The centre is open daily from 0500-1900.
The out-of-hours Medicare centre is located in Terminal 1, Module E, Level 3.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
Aicher Ambulanz Union tests are free, with results available within 48 hours.
‘Test and Fly’ costs €128, with results provided within six hours.
Medicare PCR test costs €184, with results available within 24 hours. Antigen test costs €73, with results in 30 minutes. Antibody test costs €67, with results in 20 minutes. Weekend and night surcharges where applicable.
Newark Liberty International airport, New Jersey
How does it work?
Like Boston Logan International and JFK airports, Newark Liberty International has also partnered with XpresCheck to provide PCR, antibody and rapid tests.
Note that passengers booked on selected United Airlines flights from Newark to London Heathrow will undergo mandatory testing before boarding as part of the airline’s transatlantic testing pilot.
Location and opening hours?
The centre is located in Terminal B, Level 3 near the front entrance pre-security. Open from 1000-1800 Monday-Friday.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
PCR and antibody test results are available within 48-72 hours while rapid test results are available within 15 minutes.
The XpresCheck tests are free if covered by insurance. If not, the PCR and antibody tests cost US$75 each (or US$90 together), while the rapid test costs US$200.
Newcastle International airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with local companies NPH Group and MDNA Life Sciences to provide pre-departure PCR testing services. Travellers must book online here and reserve a slot.
Location and opening hours?
Premium Meet and Greet building at the airport. See available time slots online.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs £110 (with parking at the airport included), with results available within 36-48 hours.
Nice airport
How does it work?
The airport in the Côte d’Azur has an antigen testing centre. This is currently available for passengers travelling to French overseas territories (via Paris Orly and Paris CDG) and Rome. It is also available to all outbound travellers on request.
Passengers must fill out a form on the airport website before arriving, and can get tested up to 90 minutes before departure.
Location and opening hours?
In Terminal 2. Open daily from 0800-1400 Monday-Friday.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The tests are free, with results available within 30 minutes.
Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly
How does it work?
The French capital’s airports have partnered with Cerballiance laboratory to set up Covid-19 testing centres. The centres are offering PCR tests and antigen tests up to 72 hours before a flight. Rapid PCR tests are only offered to Orly passengers with a flight ticket for same day travel.
Only departing passengers can use the facilities and they must book appointments online on the doctolib.fr website – passengers need to present flight tickets and booking confirmation.
Location and opening hours?
Paris CDG: Terminal 2E, departures area, opposite gate 17. Open daily 0700-1700 (1200 on Sunday).
Paris Orly: Terminal 4, door 42D on level -1. Open daily 0700-1900.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The tests are free.
Results for the PCR tests are available within 48 hours, and within two hours for the antigen tests.
Singapore Changi airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with Raffles Medical Group to offer PCR testing for arrivals under the fast lane travel arrangement (see countries involved here) and Air Travel Pass holders. The testing is mandatory and must be pre-booked at safetravel.changiairport.com before arrival. Visitors must quarantine until results are received.
Location and opening hours?
The airport states that arrivals will be guided by the airport staff to the testing site after immigration.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs S$196, with results available within 48 hours.
Sheremetyevo International airport
How does it work?
The Moscow airport has partnered with ArchiMed Laboratory to test departing and arriving passengers for Covid-19. Testing is carried out using the PCR method through portable “mini-laboratory” kits by Evotech-Mirai Genomics (EMG). Passengers must register and pay for testing online at account.life-air.org. It is also possible to get a rapid test at the same centres.
Location and opening hours?
Terminal B, First floor and Terminal D, First floor, in the arrivals hall. Open daily from 0500-0300.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The cost depends on how quickly you need the results.
The test costs approximately £27 for results within an hour, £25 within eight hours, £18 within 24 hours.
Tampa International airport
How does it work?
The Florida airport has partnered with BayCare Health System to provide walk-in passenger testing until the end of the year (at the time of writing). The testing site is offering both PCR tests and rapid antigen tests to all departing and arriving passengers.
Location and opening hours?
Main Terminal, near the entrance to Airside F. Open from 0730-1330 Monday-Friday; 0800-1200 on weekends.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The PCR test costs US$150, with results available within 48 hours
The rapid antigen test costs US$60, with results available within 15 minutes.
Tokyo Haneda airport
How does it work?
The airport’s on-site Toho University clinic provides PCR tests for overseas travellers. Passengers must call ahead to book an appointment.
Location and opening hours?
Toho University Haneda Airport Terminal 3 clinic, located on the first floor of the airport. Open daily from 0900-11.30am and 1300-1730.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs approximately £317, with results available within 24 hours.
Tokyo Narita airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with Nippon Medical School Foundation to set up a PCR testing centre for international departures. Testing is available without an appointment.
Location and opening hours?
Terminal 1, Central Building, Floor 3 and Terminal 2, Floor 1. The centre is open daily from 0900-2100.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
It depends whether you have pre-booked an appointment.
The test costs 39,800 yen with an appointment, and 46,500 without (the latter also applies to after-hours tests which take place at the Nippon Medical School Hospital). Results are available within two hours.
Toulouse-Blagnac airport
How does it work?
The airport has partnered with A Medical Connect to set up an antigen testing centre. The tests are carried out by appointment only and you need to reserve a slot online. Customers will have to present their plane ticket or reservation to proceed. The airport plans to provide PCR tests soon.
Location and opening hours?
Hall C – Ground floor level (Arrivals). The centre is open daily from 1000-1800.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test is €46 or covered by the French health insurance if you have the Vitale card.
Results are available within 30 minutes.
Vienna airport
How does it work?
The airport has set up a PCR and rapid antigen testing centre for all passengers and the public. Advance registration is not possible, but you can download and fill out the form in advance of bringing it to the centre.
Location and opening hours?
The Office Park 3 building, located between the NH Hotel and the Tower. Open daily from 0700-2000.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The PCR test costs €120. If the test is taken by 1300, you will receive a result on the same day. Tests taken after 1300, or on weekends or public holidays, will provide results within 24 hours.
The antigen test costs €35, with results available within 30 minutes.
Vilnius airport
How does it work?
The airport has set up a testing centre for departing and arriving passengers, partnering with Lithuanian lab Rezus.It to offer PCR and rapid antigen tests. The lab also hopes to open similar sites at Kaunas and Palanga airports in April. Passengers must register online at rezus.it or by phone and arrive to the testing site at least five minutes before their scheduled appointment. The airport recommends that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled flight.
Location and opening hours?
The testing site is located just outside the arrivals terminal, near parking lot P2 and the intercity bus stop. See available time slots online.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The PCR test costs €90 to receive a result within 24-36 hours, and €140 within one and half to three hours.
The antigen test costs €33 to receive a result within two hours, and €43 within twenty minutes.
Zurich airport
How does it work?
Zurich airport has partnered with Swissport subsidiary Checkport Schweiz AG to operate a pre-departure PCR testing facility using Enders Diagnostics’ tests from January 7. The tests are carried out by saliva sample and not by nasal swab, allowing for a speedier return of results. The tests are sold as self-test kits on site and can be performed in test boxes independently, with no assistance required by medical personnel. The samples are then transported to the Swiss Analysis AG laboratory four times a day by courier service. No prior appointment is necessary.
Location and opening hours?
The centre is on the first floor of Zurich airport’s check-in 2. Open daily from 0600-2000.
How much does it cost and how long do results take?
The test costs Sfr195 (approximately €180), with a result available within five hours – note that test samples delivered after 1700 are processed the following morning.
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