Gatwick is cutting the cost of ‘fit to fly’ lateral flow tests by £2 to £33.
PCR tests fees are being reduced by £10 to £59 with the airport subsidising on-site Covid-19 screening centres operated by ExpressTest.
Two centres are open at the airport; a drive-in option located within its Perimeter Road South car park and a walk-in centre in the North Terminal.
Gatwick already subsidised ‘fit to fly’ on-site PCR tests since the drive-in centre opened in November, with passengers and staff able to take a test for £59, with that rate now extended for arrivals from green and amber destinations and for test to release.
The additional subsidised rates come as the overall costs of PCR tests continue to act as a barrier for travel for many families.
Gatwick has repeatedly called on government to loosen the existing restrictions and abolish the need for double vaccinated travellers to green and amber countries to be tested altogether – to help increase bookings and ultimately preserve jobs in and around the airport.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick airport recognises that the cost of PCR tests is prohibitive and acts as barrier preventing larger numbers from booking international travel.
“We are therefore pleased to be able to offer passengers a more cost-effective solution, conveniently located at the airport, to help people get away on a much-needed holiday, to visit loved ones abroad or travel for business.”