COVID Tests to Launch at two Virginia Airports

As a way to boost passenger loads, rapid COVID testing will begin next month at Virginia’s Dulles International and Reagan National airports, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).  The testing should give people more confidence to fly in commercial planes again.

Jack Potter, CEO of MWAA, said the airports authority was optimistic 2021 would see increased passenger loads, but the indicators point to a slower-than-hoped-for return of people wanting to fly, a phenomenon he attributes to how slowly Americans are being vaccinated.

Potter believes the new COVID tests will make people feel safer flying.  The tests, which will be administered outside of the secure areas, will begin in early March.  There will be both rapid tests with instant results and the tests that provide results in one to three days available at the airports in northern Virginia.