Coronavirus: Some 5,000 air passengers a day undergo PCR tests

Around 5,000 inbound passengers undergo Covid PCR testing every day at the Republic’s two airports, operator Hermes said on Tuesday.

Larnaca airport has seven testing points while Paphos three. At present, only three are being used in Larnaca and there is a fourth for people with disabilities, a spokesperson said.

Mandatory PCR tests at all entry points were introduced on Monday in a bid to stop the spread of the Omicron variant of concern. Travellers have to pay for their own test, which costs around €15.

Passengers undergo testing as soon as they get off the aircraft and then their flight pass is checked to ensure it meets the criteria, which for some countries, include having a PCR test before flying to Cyprus.

Passengers are then advised to remain home or their hotel until their results are sent to them.