Airlines Including Delta Will Require Passengers to Test Negative for Covid-19 for These Flights

On the heels of a request from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, three airlines will be requiring that their passengers test negative for coronavirus for London to New York flights as there is a highly contagious new strain of Covid-19 that’s spreading in the U.K.

Cuomo has asked Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to ensure travelers test negative for the coronavirus before flying to the U.S.

Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways announced on Monday that travelers will have to test negative for the coronavirus before boarding flights bound for New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

British Airways had the procedures start on Tuesday while Virgin Atlantic and its partner Delta said the new requirements will begin Thursday.

“All Delta customers traveling from the U.K. to New York will be required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to departure adding another layer of safety when they travel,” a Delta spokesman said. “Delta will work closely with the Governor’s office in the coming days to implement his request.”

The airline said passengers that are scheduled to depart the U.K. in the coming days should check Delta’s website for updates.

Already over two dozen countries have cut off flights or restricted access from those traveling from Britain due to the new strain of the virus.

This week there are 122 flights scheduled between the U.K. and the U.S., down from 752 last year, according to flight data provider OAG.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.