Third Covid Wave Could Ground UK Flights Again
A devastating third Covid-19 wave could slam the brakes on international air travel, forcing the UK back into lockdown. The aviation sector risks chaos unless stringent testing rules are enforced.
Salutaris People Calls for ‘Gold-Standard’ PCR Testing
Salutaris People, a top UK private Covid testing provider, insists all airline passengers must undergo PCR tests to safely resume flights. The firm champions “gold-standard” PCR swabs, health passports to verify test results and vaccine status, and mandatory face masks on planes.
The company backs the Government’s planned traffic light system for air travel, aimed at protecting passengers on both inbound and outbound flights. Salutaris People welcomed the roadmap for flights to reopen on 17th May, but warns against cheap shortcuts.
Industry Experts Slam Lateral Flow Tests for Air Travel
Ben Paglia, MD of Akea Life—clinical partners to Salutaris People—slammed plans to use lateral flow tests as a cheaper PCR alternative. He said:
“Using lateral flow as a ‘budget’ test for airline passengers is astonishing. One false negative can put hundreds at risk. Allowing passengers to self-administer these tests is a dangerous gamble that will increase false negatives and give false reassurance.”
Ben stresses that trained healthcare professionals must conduct tests to ensure accuracy. “Dropping our guard now risks a third outbreak and lockdown after all the progress made,” he added.
Rapid PCR Testing at Liverpool Airport Leads the Way
Salutaris People runs the UK’s first rapid PCR test lab based at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, offering test results in under three hours – much faster than the usual 48-hour wait.
- Partners include the Test Assurance Group (TAG) and Liverpool Airport.
- Rapid PCR “Fit to Fly” and “Test to Release” tests available.
- Five clinics nationwide soon to open, including Wilmslow, Newcastle, Stockton-On-Tees, Sunderland, and Liverpool.
The clinics will serve travellers flying from key UK airports, including Manchester, Newcastle International, Teesside, and Liverpool John Lennon.
Salutaris People and Akea Life Push for Digital Health Passports
The company believes digital health passports will soon be mandatory for all international travellers. Salutaris People is partnering with multiple providers, such as V-Health Passport, Tento, CommonPass, and IATA’s Travel Pass, to offer customers the best options.
Ben Paglia added: “PCR testing must continue for inbound and outbound passengers to catch new virus strains. The best approach is to link a negative PCR result to a digital health passport presented alongside your travel passport at check-in.”
Bringing Covid Tests Straight to Your Door
Salutaris People, along with healthcare partners Akea Life, Therapy Direct, and Normedica, also offers a private Covid Concierge Service. Trained professionals visit your home, hotel, or workplace to administer PCR tests, delivering express results within 1-3 hours.
This luxury, time-saving service is expanding across the UK and aims to keep travellers safe and free from virus disruption.
Final Word from Salutaris People’s Managing Director
Ross Tomkins, MD of Salutaris People, warned: “A Covid outbreak could shut down international flights again, damaging the economy and risking another lockdown. Lateral flow tests have their place, but not if they allow infectious passengers on planes. Air travel was a prime spreader in the early days of the pandemic and must remain tightly controlled.”
