Airlines urge more coronavirus testing, not travel bans

PARIS (Reuters) - Global airlines on Monday hit back at international bans on flights from Britain imposed over fears of a new COVID-19 strain, saying more testing could keep borders open.

"This latest situation once again reinforces the urgent need for coordinated recognition of systematic testing of travelers," the International Air Transport Association said.

"Governments must cooperate to put mutually recognized testing capacity in place so that borders can remain open to the vast majority of healthy passengers," it said in a statement.

IATA, which represents most major airlines, said the World Health Organization had adopted a mantra of "test, test and test again" and added: "we implore governments to act on this advice".

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Hugh Lawson)