Airline got a boost on Tuesday after the Department for Transport announced that passengers arriving into England will be able to cut the mandatory quarantine by a week if they take COVID-19 tests.
From December 15, travellers from countries not featured on the government’s travel corridor list will be able to take a test after five days of self-isolation.
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The aim is to avoid tests on the day of arrival which may not be positive if the virus is contracted while travelling or is still in incubation.
If negative they will be free to roam, otherwise they will have to complete the required two-week isolation course. Results usually come in one or two days.
The assays can be booked from private providers on the government’s list for £65-120.
Westminster also announced new financial support for English airports and ground handlers serving them, capped at £8mln per site.
Wizz Air Holdings PLC (LON:WIZZ), which rose 4% to 4,706p on the news, has already secured a partnership to allow customers to book tests for £85 through an airline discount.
Otherwise, people choosing Confirm Testing to carry out the test would have to pay £110, Reuters reported.
easyJet PLC (LON:EZJ) shot up 8% to 841.95p, British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group (LON:IAG) advanced 6% to 175.95p and Ryanair PLC (LON:RYA) added 2% to €15.84.