The centre will offer both PCR and antigen tests in preparation for the return of international travel
Belfast City Airport has begun preparations for the resumption of international travel by implementing a new onsite COVID-19 testing centre, in partnership with leading global diagnostics firm, Randox.
Passengers will be able to choose between PCR and antigen (lateral flow) tests, allowing the process to be quick and efficient.
Judith David, airport operations manager at Belfast City Airport, believes “it is imperative that we have testing facilities in place to enable those travelling for essential reason to be able to do so in a convenient manner”.
“The testing facilities will also help with forward planning for those who are connecting through major hub airports, such as Manchester and London Heathrow, or travelling to sunshine destinations with our new airline partner, Ryanair, allowing them to take the test before they leave Northern Ireland,” she added.
The airport was the first in Northern Ireland to receive the ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation for its stringent health and safety measures. These include the implementation of sanitising points throughout the terminal, as well as the enforcement of the face covering rule.
“Along the roadmap out of lockdown, testing will remain a key part of the response to COVID-19 – not only to identify cases and prevent further spread, but also to assist with a return to social and economic normality,” said David Adamson, regional manager at Randox Laboratories. “The Randox Health Travel Centre at Belfast City Airport, providing accurate and cost-effective antigen and gold standard PCR testing, is another positive step towards the normalisation of travel.”
H&J Martin Asset Management Services is carrying out the work on the new testing site, fitting it with a resting area for when passengers have taken their test. The centre is expected to be completed over the next few weeks.
