IATA CEO: COVID-19 testing costs 'should not stand between people and their freedom to travel'

6 May, 2021

IATA CEO Willie Walsh said (05-May-2021) COVID-19 testing costs "should not stand between people and their freedom to travel" and said the best solution "is for the costs to be borne by governments", pointing out it is their responsibility under WHO guidelines. According to IATA, of the 15 markets where there is a cost for PCR testing to the individual, the average minimum cost for testing was USD90, and the average maximum cost for testing was USD208. IATA estimates that paying for PCR testing adds 45% to 90% to the cost of a flight, based on a pre-crisis average one-way airline ticket, (including taxes and charges) of cost USD200. [more - original PR]