In an attempt to keep maintaining the highest standards in international aviation, Heathrow airport must introduce a test on arrival regime, said the Heathrow Chief Executive, John Holland-Kaye. He has called for this facility in order to open up international markets and revive the economy which can be done by opening up international borders and providing testing on arrival.

More than 30 airports are already using testing as a safer alternative to the 14-day quarantine rule. This not only encourages people to visit a country, but also facilitates the reopening of  borders and boosts economy.

Echoing concerns from the International Air Transport Association, he argued that restricting travel, international students, jobs and markets have a direct effect on the UK economy. To counter that and maintain good standards in global aviation, one of world’s busiest airports must introduce the test on arrival regime as soon as possible. 

The comments come as Heathrow releases figures which show that only 1.4 million guests passed through the airport in August, down 81.5 per cent from the same month last year. Long haul markets, which are critical for UK exporters and a main source of inbound tourism, students and investment, remain closed as a result of the evolving quarantine policy.