[ad_1]
Cork Airport confirmed today that it is considering the introduction of a pre-flight COVID-19 testing center.
Under the proposal, passengers could be offered a test less than 72 hours before their flight departure, allowing them to prove they have not contracted the virus before flying out of Ireland.
The pandemic continues to pose a major problem for the aviation industry, and both airports and airlines hope that widespread testing can give passengers greater confidence to travel.
The airport said DAA, which also manages Dublin Airport, has been in talks with 20 specialized providers that could operate screening facilities for passengers.
Cork Airport said the proposals were being reviewed by state agencies and the government, which would make the final decision on whether to introduce the facilities at Irish airports.
“Under this DAA proposal, passengers from high-risk locations could prove negative for coronavirus before traveling here, and similarly, outgoing Irish passengers could take a pre-departure test for any country that require it for Irish origin traffic, “a spokesman for the airport said.
Under potential EU plans, passengers traveling from one European country to another might have to undergo a COVID-19 test before taking a flight.
The EU is debating the introduction of a system called a “traffic light”, which could give different regions and countries in the bloc green, orange or red ratings.
Those traveling from the orange zones may need to take a test before flying, as may those in the red zones, who may also be forced to self-quarantine upon arrival at their destination.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said yesterday that Ireland would adhere to the plan and noted that it could be agreed upon by EU countries in mid-October.
Cork Airport said test facilities could be brought in in time for the system launch.
The traffic light system would replace the current green list system, which discourages non-essential travel and forces passengers to be quarantined for 14 days unless they have traveled from countries with low rates of COVID-19 transmission.
The news comes as Cork airport warned that it could only receive two flights per day if Ryanair decided to close its base at the airport.
Ryanair has been particularly critical of Irish travel restrictions. “You can’t do business with a 14-day quarantine,” Chief Executive Eddie Wilson said earlier this month.
[ad_2]