Southampton airport boss calls for rapid coronavirus testing

Their operations director says it would be good for the country and the industry.

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 3rd Nov 2020

The boss of Southampton Airport is calling on the government to sort out coronavirus testing at airports.

A growing number of countries have classified the UK as being 'at risk', meaning travellers from the UK face more restrictions.

Aviation experts say it's also vital that checks are carried out on passengers arriving into the UK once lockdown is lifted.

The aim is to help people travelling to and from destinations where proof of a negative result is required on arrival.

The Airport's boss says testing people when they land could really help the aviation industry as a whole

Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport, said:

"I'm happy to be used as a test bed, for any sort of testing regime.

"It's something we need. If we can reduce the quarantine time or get rid of it altogether, because of clear, unambiguous tests, that's got to be good for the country and the industry."

His view echoes airline Ryanair, which has accused EU national governments of 'mismanaging' air travel with 'uncoordinated travel restrictions'.

Southampton Airport's boss is pleading with the Government to come up with a solution that helps the industry and travellers to feel more comfortable about going away

Southampton Airport's operations director, Steve Szalay says they're keen to try and help the national effort to tackle coronavirus:

"The aviation industry as a whole has been crying out testing for the last few months. We obviously work closely with the Government, they've got to weigh up a whole host of factors, but I hope now they can come to a decision and get a testing regime in before Christmas, that's what everybody wants."