Gatwick Airport boss says passengers should be given coronavirus tests 48 hours before flying after lockdown

: "Whether these tests should be carried out in the airports or whether they would be better carried out in the communities are things that should be debated.

"For example, would it be better for a passenger to arrive at an airport with some sort of certification that said 'I have been checked over the last 48 hours and I am Covid-free?'

"Those are the sorts of things that I am sure will be considered by the restart and recovery group."

He added: "Passengers increasingly are travelling wearing facial coverings and I am sure that's something that the government team will be considering."

The Department for Transport has set up a working group of civil servants and aviation experts to look at measures to allow global air travel to recover from the pandemic.

UK airports and airlines have reportedly been hit harder by the travel lockdowns than those in other European countries.

It's been estimated passenger numbers in Britain would be cut by 140 million this year compared with 2019, costing £21.2 billion in lost income.

Airlines including Virgin Atlantic and Loganair have already requested state loans and there are increased fears others will close without help from the government.

The Times says it understands the government is considering options to maintain social distancing and prevent a further spread of the virus when global travel resumes.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Friday measures to screen air passengers arriving in the UK will remain "under review."

Ministers admitted last week that 15,000 passengers a day were still flying into Britain without temperature checks or antibody tests.

The absence of screening has allowed passengers from hard-hit cities like New York to enter Britain without being checked over.

Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye, has called for cross-country rules which could include temperature checks and a requirement all passengers carry a health passport.

He also demanded Public Health England released data backing up its claims temperature screenings were ineffective - which has led to no government-controlled checks at UK airports.