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Willie Walsh: Cost of Covid testing in the UK 'extortionate'

Government
James Chapple
22 July 2021

Iata chief Willie Walsh has branded the UK government "the poster child for governments failing to adequately manage testing" while singling out the UK for its "extortionate" test costs.

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The association has called on governments to address the cost of testing, and urged them to permit the use of cost-effective antigen tests as an alternative to more expensive PCR testing.


Additionally, Iata has thrown its weight behind World Health Organization (WHO) guidance that suggests authorities consider exempting fully vaccinated travellers from testing requirements.


According to Iata’s most recent traveller survey, 86% of respondents said they were willing to get tested. But 70% said they also believe the cost of testing is a significant barrier to travel.


Another 78% said they thought governments should bear the cost of mandatory testing.