Heathrow: Government must “capitalise on the vaccine dividend” to support travel industry

The COO at Heathrow Airport has called on the government to capitalise on the rollout of the vaccine programme to support the travel industry.

Heathrow chief operating officer Emma Gilthorpe has urged the government to replace Covid PCR tests with lateral flow tests in a bid to make travel accessible to more people.

The news comes as the airport reported a 74 per cent upsurge in passengers in July 2021 compared with July 2020.

The airport saw over 1.5 million travellers pass through last month, marking the highest monthly passenger numbers since March 2020.

Heathrow chief operating officer, Emma Gilthorpe, commented: “Finally, some blue skies are on the horizon, as travel and trade routes slowly reopen.

“The job though is far from complete. Government must now capitalise on the vaccine dividend and seize the opportunity to replace expensive PCR tests with more affordable lateral flow tests.

“This will ensure travel remains attainable for hardworking Brits, desperate for well-earned getaways and keen to reunite with loved ones before the summer travel window closes.”

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