Ryanair urges transport secretary to axe ‘nonsensical’ PCR testing for green list travellers

Europe’s largest airline is calling for the transport secretary to axe the “nonsensical” requirement for green list arrivals to take two PCR tests when they return to the UK, as well as abolishing restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated. Currently, all arrivals from destinations on the green list, which includes Portugal, Gibraltar and Iceland, have to take a PCR test within two days of landing, regardless of vaccination status. A cheaper negative lateral flow test must also be presented to airline staff before departure back to the UK. The testing requirement for UK arrivals can run into hundreds of pounds for a family; research from Which? showed that a family of four could face a testing bill of up to GBP1,500 for a holiday. Ryanair has urged Grant Shapps to abolish travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers, and to axe the current requirement to present a negative day two PCR test, which the airline says “only adds cost and stress to UK citizens despite returning from low-risk EU destinations”. The next review to the green list is slated for Thursday 3 June.<br/>