Rapid COVID-19 Testing Now Available at Heathrow Airport

Passengers departing Heathrow can now take advantage of a new rapid COVID-19 testing option, with results delivered on-site within one hour.

Overview of COVID-19 Testing at Heathrow

This week, London’s Heathrow became the first UK airport to offer pre-departure COVID-19 tests. Passengers flying to Hong Kong were among the first to utilize this pre-booked service at a cost of £80 each. The testing employs the Oxford Lamp pilot testing scheme, which incorporates a nose and throat swab, and will cater to travelers on airlines requiring testing before departure, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Virgin Atlantic.

Testing Process and Facilities

According to the aviation firm Swissport and the Collinson Group, which launched this initiative, passengers must pre-arrange their tests with Collinson online prior to arriving at the airport. They will receive a time slot based on their check-in and departure times. Dedicated testing facilities have been established in Terminals 2 and 5, applicable to those traveling to countries with reciprocal agreements.

Results and Next Steps

The results will be available within one hour. If a passenger tests negative, they can proceed with their travel plans. Conversely, a positive result will lead to denial of boarding. David Evans, joint CEO of Collinson, noted the importance of collaborating with governments and travel brands to facilitate safer travel processes amid rising concerns globally.

The group is also seeking approval for a two-step arrivals testing protocol, allowing passengers arriving in England from high-risk countries to avoid the mandatory 14-day quarantine if they present a negative test result.

Heathrow’s CEO, John Holland-Kaye, remarked that “these facilities will simplify the process for passengers bound for high-risk countries and have the potential to provide valuable services for those arriving.”

This article was first published on July 7 and updated on October 21, 2020.