IGIA has become the first airport in the country to introduce COVID-19 testing facility in Delhi for international arrivals. By Tanvi Jain
Happy to announce that #DelhiAirport has launched India’s first COVID testing facility for arriving international fliers.
Read: https://t.co/KcuGMn5DkY— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) September 12, 2020
For the first time ever in India, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has launched COVID-19 testing facility in Delhi for international arrivals. “International passengers with connecting flights can avail of testing facilities at airports before travelling ahead to their final destination. As per government mandate, international passengers who are transiting vis Delhi can take domestic flight only with RT-PCR COVID-19 negative certificate. To facilitate transit passengers with domestic connection, Delhi Airport now has introduced all-new COVID Test Center and Lounge,” Delhi Airport said in a blog.
“The test results will be available for passengers within four to six hours. Hence, we urge passengers to book domestic connection with at least eight to 10 hours of gap from arrival. Until the results are confirmed, passengers can wait in the lounge, which is part of the overall package being offered,” it added.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) launched country’s first airport #COVID19 testing facility at Indira Gandhi International Airport, today. pic.twitter.com/qrVKJty0CP
— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2020
“In case of a positive result, the passenger will be processed in line with applicable ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) protocols by the State authorities. This will help the authorities concerned to avoid passengers affected with the disease from coming in close contact with those already having RT-PCR negative report. Those testing negative can continue their onward journey,” it further said.
The facility has been set up by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), in collaboration with Genestrings Diagnostic Centre, at the multi-level car parking area of Terminal 3, and has been in effect since September 11.
“We’ve equipped the lab to handle up to 2,500 samples per day in the initial days. We’re ready to quickly ramp-up our testing capacity multiple folds of up to 15,000 tests per day in this 3,500 Sq. Ft. facility,” Dr Rajat Arora, Director, Genestrings Diagnostic Center, told PTI.
Ensuring safety right from the beginning! #FlySafe pic.twitter.com/YD5ZmZc9kf
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) September 4, 2020
As mandated by the Delhi government, the passenger will have to pay INR 2,400 for the test. However, one can be exempted from taking the test if they manage to produce an RT-PCR negative test report not older than 96 hours from the time of departure.
“The test costs INR 2,400 and the cost of waiting in the lounge is INR 2,600. This includes services such as meals, juice, water, etc. If a passenger wishes to opt for the hotel facility, they can do so but the tariff varies from hotel to hotel,” a DIAL official told Indian Express.
Related: Delhi Airport Goes Contactless For International Arrivals With The Air Suvidha Launch
