Travelers in Scotland paying double for Covid tests compared to England
A joint statement from the aviation industry is calling on the Scottish Government to allow those arriving from Amber and Green list countries to get their mandatory test kits for the same price as people across the border.
Last updated 20th May 2021
Leaders of the Scottish aviation industry have called on the Scottish Government to end 'testing discrepancy'.
Airlines UK, the Airport Operators Association (AOA), AGS (Aberdeen and Glasgow) and Edinburgh airports say that current rules in regards to Covid testing is meaning Scottish passangers are paying double the amount for their test kits when compared to people arriving at English airports.
Whilst passengers returning to England are permitted to purchase tests from private suppliers, that approach has not been mirrored in Scotland with current regulations explicitly stating tests from private suppliers cannot be used.
A testing package for passengers arriving in Scotland from amber countries is £170 per person and £88pp for those arriving from green listed countries. Some private suppliers are offering testing options for as little as £20pp.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports, Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, and Karen Dee, chief executive of the AOA, said: “On 11 May we were told the Scottish Government would adopt a four nations approach to the removal of the travel ban which had brought our industry to a standstill. Within a matter of days, it transpired Scottish passengers would be heavily penalised by having to pay twice as much for COVID tests than people in England.
“It is not fair that people in Scotland are being forced to bear such high costs when there are 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 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. It will also push passengers to airports in England to avoid the cost of the Scottish Government’s testing package meaning they would not receive any form of data. We urgently need the Government to review its guidelines and introduce an equitable testing system that doesn’t penalise Scottish passengers. We have offered to work with the Government and its clinicians to help identify an affordable solution.”