The debate over the high costs of COVID-19 testing requirements for air travellers continued today as airlines heads and airports in the UK warned in a joint statement that the policy to force vaccinated Britons to take a PCR test would present a “huge barrier to travel for most people”.
British Airways, Jet2, EasyJet, Heathrow and Manchester Airports Group commented in the statement: “Instead of taking advantage of the success of the vaccine programme the government risks closing the UK off from the rest of the world,” they said.
IATA has also warned governments that the high costs for COVID-19 testing could put travel out of reach for individuals and families. To facilitate an efficient restart of international travel, COVID-19 testing must be affordable as well as timely, widely available and effective, said the organisation.
An IATA sampling of costs for PCR tests (the test most frequently required by governments) in 16 countries showed wide variations by markets and within markets. Of the markets surveyed by IATA, only France complied with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for the state to bear the cost of testing for travellers. Of the 15 markets where there is a cost for PCR testing to the individual, IATA found that the average minimum cost for testing was $90 and the average maximum cost for testing was $208.
Even taking the average of the low-end costs, adding PCR testing to average airfares would dramatically increase the cost of flying for individuals and families.
IATA chairman Willie Walsh warned that the expected strong rebound in demand international travel could be “perilously compromised” by testing costs—particularly PCR testing. “Raising the cost of any product this significantly will stifle demand. The impact will be greatest for short haul trips (up to 1,100 km), with average fares of $105, the tests will cost more than the flight. That’s not what you want to propose to travellers as we emerge from this crisis. Testing costs must be better managed. That’s critical if governments want to save tourism and transport jobs; and avoid limiting travel freedoms to the wealthy,” he said.
In the UK, there is also a push to get VAT removed from all COVID tests, which inflates the price by 20%. Some 15 Conservative MPs have written to UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak urging him to abolish the tax.
Meanwhile, airlines are working to subsidise the costs of tests. Today, Tui has announced a deal with Chronomics, a government-approved testing provider, to make testing more affordable for passengers.
Andrew Flintham, Tui’s UK and Ireland managing director, said: “We have always believed that cost-effective testing solutions, as well as maximum flexibility, will make travel a possibility this summer and beyond. Our research has shown that customers are looking forward to their much-needed holiday overseas, but affordable and easy testing solutions was imperative to make this a reality.
“The four new exclusive testing packages have been developed with our customers in mind; they’re offered at greatly reduced prices, include certification to travel and will be a simple process from start to finish.”