Aviation leaders in Scotland have written to first minister calling for parity on Covid PCR testing costs with England, where they say holidaymakers pay a “fraction of the cost”.
The bosses of Airlines UK, Edinburgh airport, easyJet, AGS Airports, Jet2.com, Loganair, the Airport Operators Association, Tui UK and the Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA), told Nicola Sturgeon Scottish customers face being “heavily penalised” by discrepancies in pricing.
They say PCR tests – required for those returning from both green and amber list destinations – cost from as little as £25 in England because tests from private providers are permitted.
Use of tests from private providers is not permitted in Scotland, and the single testing package for passengers arriving in Scotland from amber countries is £170 while the package for those returning from green list countries is £88.
The letter said: “Scottish passengers and families are continuing to be heavily penalised despite there being private suppliers offering the same tests that meet strict UK government requirements for a fraction of the cost.
“This lack of parity with England will continue to price many people out of travelling and will be a very real barrier to airports and airlines as we try to safely re-establish our connectivity.
“We urgently need the [Scottish] government to review its guidelines and introduce an equitable testing system as soon as possible and no later than by the end of July.”