It urged aviation workers and those planning a holiday abroad this year who want to travel without having to pay for PCR tests to sign the petition. 

Started by Neill Farkhondeh on Change.org, it claimed that the average cost for testing per trip is £236, meaning a family of four could face prices of up to £1,000 for Covid tests alone.

The petition stated: "At the same time domestic holidays in the UK have seen a sharp price increase due to demand, meaning holidays at home or abroad are now extortionately expensive.

"To boost the aviation and travel sector the government should offer free or heavily discounted PCR tests so that anyone can travel abroad for a fair price."

It called on the UK government to "intervene now" and give the sector the support "it needs to help save jobs and give people a chance to travel".

"Despite being allowed to travel, many can not afford the additional costs," the petition continued. "Not only does this mean not being able to travel abroad for many, it means more redundancies and pay cuts for airline and airport staff."

It comes amid growing pressure on Westminster to address the "rip-off" testing market as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) continues to probe private providers.