MADRID: To accommodate travellers in these times of restrictions, AENA is installing clinics in the departure halls of 15 Spanish airports. Passengers will be able to take Covid tests prior to boarding.
AENA has signed a contract to provid covid testing at 15 airports in Spain for an initial six months. There is the option to extend the contract until December 31, 2021. The airport authority has allocated space at the Spanish airports with the most international flight movements. These are Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, César Manrique-Lanzarote and La Palma .
According to Aena, the service is “helping to facilitate the return of tourists” in this complicated travel scenario triggered by the pandemic. The clinics offer different various diagnostic tests and clinical analyses which will be available at “competitive and adequate” prices.
Test only possible with boarding pass
Passengers who must submit a negative test result at their destination can take the test just before their flight departs. They will need to show their boarding pass to gain access to the clinics. Travellers will have to make online reservations at the clinics ahead of travel.
The following tests are offered: active infection diagnostic tests (PDIA) to be performed for SARS CoV2: PCR test (RT-PCR of covid-19 nasal and pharyngeal exudate), rapid antibody tests, rapid antigen detection tests or high serological performance (ELISA, CLIA, ECLIA) and clinical analysis.
Competitive prices for covid tests
The clincs will have a designated space to conduct the test with waiting and isolation areas. They will also ensure the privacy of the passenger. If a passenger tests positive, the regional health alert protocols will be triggered. Aena’s statement says the prices of tests must be competitive and not exceed the costs outside the airport.
