High costs of Covid tests could put foreign holidays out of reach of families with PCR checks adding more than £1,000 to the cost of a break, it has been warned.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to tackle expensive test prices and make them more widely available to facilitate an efficient restart of foreign travel.
IATA found only France complied with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for the state to bear the cost of testing for travellers.
Of the 15 markets where there is a cost for PCR testing to the individual, including the UK, average minimum price was £65 with a top price of £150 for a single check.
Before the pandemic, the average one-way airline ticket cost £144, including taxes and charges.
A £65 PCR test hikes to price by 45 per cent to £209 with another test on arrival takes the one-way cost to £275.
If two tests are needed in each direction, the average cost for a return trip could reach £550.
The impact of the costs of Covid-19 testing on family travel would be even more severe.
Based on average ticket prices and average low-end PCR testing twice each way, a journey for four that would have cost £1,150 pre-Covid, could nearly double to £2,190 —with £1,037 being testing costs.
IATA director general Willie Walsh said: “As travel restrictions are lifted in domestic markets, we are seeing strong demand. The same can be expected in international markets.
“But that could be perilously compromised by testing costs – particularly PCR testing. The impact will be greatest for short-haul trips, up to 1,100km. With average fares, the tests will cost more than the flight."
Mr Walsh added: "Testing costs should not stand between people and their freedom to travel. The best solution is for the costs to be borne by governments. It’s their responsibility under WHO guidelines.
"We must not let the cost of testing—particularly PCR testing—limit the freedom to travel to the rich or those able to be vaccinated.
"A successful restart of travel means so much to people—from personal job security to business opportunities and the need to see family and friends. Governments must act quickly to ensure that testing costs don’t stall a travel recovery."
