London Luton Airport has opened a drive-through testing centre as part of the government’s UK-wide programme to control the spread of coronavirus.
The testing site will be operated by military personnel on limited days including this Friday 22 May. Testing will also be available at the airport the following week.
Operating on an appointment only basis for NHS staff and other essential workers (as well as members of their household) and people over the age of five with coronavirus symptoms, the airport is part of a national network of testing centres being rolled out across the UK. Testing will not be available for air passengers arriving or embarking from the airport.
With only a handful of passenger flights operating for those with an essential need to travel, Luton is currently focused on adapting its facilities to assist that national response to the pandemic. In addition to the new testing programme, the airport will continue to support repatriation, medical and military flights, along with cargo flights delivering vital supplies including personal protective equipment (PPE).
“The desire form our teams and partners to support those in greatest need during these extraordinary times fills me with admiration for our people and the wider airport community,” said Alberto Martin, LLA CEO. Acknowledging the backing and support of shareholders, Martin added: “We will do all we can to support both our local community, and the wider national effort in tackling the pandemic.”
Meanwhile Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder with responsibility for public health, said: “It’s great news that we now have a drive-through testing centre at London Luton Airport and I would also like to thank the council’s airport company for its support of this initiative which will help in the fight against coronavirus and ensure more frontline workers can return to work quickly and continue to save lives.”
