Bradley International Airport Launches COVID-19 Testing Site to Enhance Safety and Convenience for Passengers

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced a partnership with Connecticut-based lab Genesys Diagnostics in the opening of a COVID-19 testing site in the baggage claim area of Bradley International Airport. This testing site is one of the first in the nation to be located directly in an airport terminal.

“The health of our economy and the health of our state go hand in hand. The team at the Connecticut Airport Authority understands this very well,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “They are taking every precaution possible to keep their staff, airline workers, and travelers safe, and this new testing capability will go a long way to helping make sure that COVID-19 screening is available for all who come into the state through Bradley International Airport.”

“Testing is a critical part of mitigating the spread of COVID-19, and the launch of Bradley International Airport's testing site is a great example of how to balance and prioritize both the health and safety of Connecticut residents and visitors and support our state's economic activity, as our state continues to progress through its phases of reopening," said Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden. "I commend the Connecticut Airport Authority and Connecticut-based lab Genesys Diagnostics for their leadership and commitment to installing measures that will unquestionably increase safe and responsible visitation to our state in the foreseeable future, and in such a way that strives to ultimately tackle COVID-19, one test at a time."

The launch of the Bradley Airport testing site is made possible by recent changes to the state travel order. Previously, passengers traveling to Connecticut from states affected by the state travel order were only permitted to avoid a 14-day quarantine if they were traveling for specific purposes and if they received a negative COVID-19 PCR test in the 72 hours prior to arriving in Connecticut. As a result of recent changes, any passenger arriving in Connecticut from an impacted state is exempt from the 14-day quarantine period if the traveler receives a negative COVID-19 PCR test in the 72 hours prior to arriving in Connecticut or after arriving in Connecticut. A testing site located directly at Bradley Airport enhances safety for passengers and offers convenience for both business and leisure travelers arriving in Connecticut who wish to shorten their quarantine period.

“The Connecticut Airport Authority is grateful to Governor Lamont and the state Department of Public Health for the updates to the state travel order, and the new testing site at Bradley International Airport is a win-win for public health and the traveling public,” added Connecticut Airport Authority Board Chair Thomas A. Sheridan. “The CAA’s partnership with Genesys Diagnostics strengthens Connecticut’s testing capacity, helps protect Bradley Airport passengers, and helps reopen the state travel and tourism industry by giving travelers a convenient alternative to quarantine.”

“The new COVID-19 testing site at Bradley Airport is yet another step that we are taking to make Bradley International Airport the most convenient airport for regional travelers, and we thank Governor Lamont and the Department of Public Health for their partnership on this initiative,” noted Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “Rather than endure the anxiety of larger crowds and inconvenience at New York or Boston airports, travelers can feel increasingly comfortable with the short lines, strong safety measures, and the on-site availability of quick testing for Bradley passengers and employees.”

“We are proud to work with local partners like Bradley International Airport to expand access to COVID-19 testing,” said Suneeta Ahuja, CEO of Genesys Diagnostics Inc. “We believe testing plays a crucial role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this new testing site will help make travel convenient and safe for Connecticut residents.”

The testing site is located in the baggage claim area at Bradley International Airport, between vestibule doors four and five and across from bag belts number five and number six. Testing will be available seven days per week between 11:30 AM – 12:30 AM, or as needed per airline scheduling. Testing is only available to passengers traveling through Bradley Airport on the day of their testing and for airport employees. Passengers must show a copy of their physical or mobile boarding pass demonstrating that they are departing from or arriving at the airport on the day of testing.

Genesys Diagnostics is providing COVID-19 PCR testing via minimally invasive anterior nasal swab. Results will be available within 24 hours of testing. To minimize wait time and crowding near the site, passengers are strongly encouraged to pre-register before arriving at the testing site. 

Passengers are encouraged to check their health insurance, as many insurers will cover all costs associated with COVID-19 testing. If a passenger does not have health insurance, or if the test is not covered by the passenger’s insurer, tests are still available for $125 each.