Airlines want COVID tests that give quick results

COVID tests that deliver results in minutes - that's how European airlines plan to get passengers back in the skies.

The idea is that travellers would be given so-called antigen tests at airports, with results determined within about 15 minutes.

Alexandre De Juniac is Director General of the International Air Transport Association:

"So, a systematic testing of all passengers at departure would guarantee that you fly people who are not infected by the virus, or with the risk of being infected which is very, very limited by the sensitivity of the test."

IATA says the system should soon be widely available.

Regulators have concerns, however, as antigen tests are not as accurate as those done in laboratories - detecting the virus up to 90% of the time, compared to 95% in a lab.

It could mean sick people occasionally slip through onto planes.

There is also the question of cost, and whether the passenger pays for it.

"Normally, it should be governments which pay for that because it's a medical regulation and obligation that they put on the shoulders of passengers, airlines, everybody. And usually, when you put a medical obligation, according to international health regulations that has been issued by WHO, it's normally governments who pay."

Some large carriers hope antigen tests could stop governments imposing blanket travel restrictions, and provide a much-needed economic boost.

Germany's Lufthansa wants the tests available next month and has been in talks with Swiss drugmaker Roche to supply them.

Italy's Alitalia has also offered new flights exclusively for passengers who have tested negative for the virus.

The tests are adminstered by health authorities at airports, and included in the price of the tickets.