Gatwick launches subsidised Covid screening service

Gatwick said: "The facility is for air passengers who may require a valid, negative Covid-19 test certificate for destinations requiring one. It will also help those who may simply want extra assurance they are not currently carrying the virus.

"The facility could also, with any necessary amendments, satisfy requirements of the government’s expected ‘test and release’ post-arrival scheme, allowing air passengers to reduce quarantine time required after travelling back from certain destinations."

Group discounts are also available for those taking the £99 full-price test, with up to 30% off for groups of four or more.

Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: "While we welcome the anticipated ‘test and release’ scheme from the government, we want to see an internationally agreed pre-departure testing regime, based on existing risk criteria, to replace the current uncertainty of quarantine and patchwork of testing approaches which currently exists across Europe.

“A truly international approach would safely open up most of the UK’s travel routes abroad, while also helping to reduce transmission of the virus.”

ExpressTest founder Nick Markham added the business was aiming to have more than 30 locations operating across the UK in the coming months, with the ambition of "giving the British public the confidence to go about their daily lives in these uncertain times".

Test results will "typically" be delivered the next day by email or text, with passengers advised to schedule a test at least 48 hours in advance of their flight, where possible, as a precaution.

Those who screen negative will be emailed a Fit to Fly certificate authorised by a doctor, along with their test result.

Tests can be booked via www.expresstest.co.uk. Customers will be sent a QR code they must bring to their appointment, along with their passport or employee ID.

The centre will be open from 8am to 8pm, and customers will be asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their appointment.