Gatwick Airport To Subsidise PCR Tests For Holidaymakers

Gatwick Airport has announced it's supporting Britain's return to travel by offering passengers cheaper PCR tests.

The subsidies will be offered for lateral flow and PCR tests at their on-site COVID-19 screening centres, operated by ExpressTest.

There are two test centres at the airport; a drive-in option located within the airport's Perimeter Road South (RH6 0PQ) car park, and a walk-in centre situated within the North Terminal. 

They offer lateral flow, pre-departure PCR, arrivals day 2 and 'test to release' services.

The new, cheaper cost for Gatwick's air passengers will be at a subsidised rate starting from just £33 and will be available from Thursday 16 September 2021 via a special discount code.   

Officials at the airport say they had already been subsidising 'fit-to-fly' on-site PCR tests since the drive-in centre opened in November last year, with the airport's passengers and staff able to take a test for £59.

But they feel the cost of tests is still a barrier for many holidaymakers and, due to the ongoing detrimental effect this is having on the aviation industry, Gatwick has decided to further reduce costs for passengers.

The following prices will be available exclusively for Gatwick passengers, via a designated discount code from Thursday 16 September 2021.   

Discount code: LGWBTT2

Lateral Flow Fit to Fly                         £2 Discount (£33 from £35)

Discount code: LGWBTT10

Green Arrivals Test                             £10 Discount (£59 from £69)
Amber Arrivals Test                            £10 Discount (£59 from £69)
PCR Test to Release Test                  £10 Discount (£59 from £69)

The PCR 'Fit to Fly' test will remain at the already subsidised price of £59.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick Airport said:

"Gatwick Airport recognises that the cost of PCR tests is prohibitive and acts as barrier preventing larger numbers from booking international travel. We are therefore pleased to be able to offer passengers a more cost-effective solution, conveniently located at the airport, to help people get away on a much-needed holiday, to visit loved ones abroad or travel for business."

Gatwick has repeatedly called on Government to loosen the existing restrictions and abolish the need for double vaccinated travellers to green and amber countries to be tested altogether - to help increase bookings and ultimately preserve jobs in and around the airport.

An announcement on ongoing rules for vaccinated travellers needing tests, is expected today.