European airports deploy rapid virus tests, sniffer dogs to unlock travel

The aviation industry is turning to a do-it-yourself approach

A medic waits for travellers at a Covid-19 testing area inside Athens International Airport, on Sept. 17.

A handful of European airports are implementing trials of quick-fire coronavirus tests, working with airlines to push technologies still being developed as a way to revive stunted international air travel.

The tests, which can be carried out in 30 minutes, are seen as the best hope for the aviation industry to overcome new travel curbs that have brought a modest traffic rebound over summer to a shuddering halt. Other initiatives include a Finnish experiment with dogs that can sniff out the virus.