Belfast airport opens Covid-19 test centre

The Covid-19 testing facility at George Best Belfast City Airport has opened.

In collaboration with diagnostics company Randox, the centre has been purpose-built and will deliver PCR and antigen tests.

Randox revealed last week that it would provide PCR tests for foreign travelers for £60 with a discount code available via airlines. The Belfast City PCR test, on the other hand, will be available at a “reduced price of £85,” with antigen tests costing £45.

Airport Operations Manager, Judith Davis, said: “Flights have resumed today (Monday) from Belfast City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with our airline partner KLM, which is another positive step as airlines across the world rebuild and restart their networks.

“Currently the Dutch government requires all passengers entering the Netherlands to have taken and returned a negative result from both a PCR and an antigen (lateral flow) test. Providing this service on-site is the ultimate convenience for our passengers, which is something we pride ourselves on and continually strive to enhance.”

 “These tests, which must be pre-booked, aren’t just reserved for passengers flying from Belfast City Airport but are also available for non-flying members of the general public.

“The fact that results from the antigen tests are returned within one hour, and a digital ‘safe to fly’ certificate is issued directly to the passenger’s mobile device, is also another huge bonus and adds a further layer of convenience for our customers who need to travel.”

She said: “The wellbeing of our passengers and staff remains of paramount importance to us and those travelling to the airport can be reassured that stringent measures are in place for their safety.”

Randox project manager, Sophie Boyd, also said: “Randox are committed to supporting those wishing to undertake international travel, including holidays, and the travel industry. In doing so we believe we will be improving wellbeing and supporting employment.

“As flights resume and we open the Randox Health Travel Centre at Belfast City Airport we will provide competitive, effective and efficient testing to support the travelling public.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Airport and wish them every success in re-establishing their international travel links.”