Rome’s Fiumicino airport will run Covid-tested flights to and from the United States operated by Delta Air Lines and Alitalia, it said, adding it will be the first airport in Europe to offer the service on transatlantic flights.

From December, passengers flying between Rome and some US destinations can be tested for the coronavirus 48 hours before departure and on arrival at the airport, to avoid the mandatory 14-day quarantine Italy imposes on incoming travellers.