NEW DELHI: The operator for the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport — DIAL — on Friday informed that it had set up a COVID-19 testing facility at the multi-level car parking area of its Terminal 3 for select inbound overseas passengers, who have to take connecting domestic flights.
“The facility will become operational in a few days,” it added.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has collaborated with Genestrings Diagnostic Centre in setting up the testing facility. Genestrings Diagnostic Centre is currently associated with the Delhi government to test COVID-19 samples.
In an official statement, DIAL said: “Results of the samples collected at the laboratory will be declared within four to six hours to the incoming passengers. Until the results are confirmed, passengers will be isolated at the waiting lounge or may opt to stay in a hotel.”
“In case of a positive result, the passenger will be processed in line with the applicable Indian Council of Medical Research protocols by the state authorities, who will then ensure that such persons do not come in close contact with those already having RT-PCR negative report. Those testing negative will be allowed to continue their onward journey,” it added.
The Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday had said that international passengers, who had to take connecting domestic flights after landing in India, would have the option of getting themselves tested for COVID-19 at the entry airports.
“If the RT-PCR test result is negative, the international passenger will be allowed to board his or her connecting domestic flight and he or she will not need to undergo any institutional quarantine,” the Ministry’s order said.
An international passenger, who does not have a COVID-negative result certificate from a test done not more than 96 hours prior to the journey and does not opt for an on-arrival testing facility at the entry airport, will have to compulsorily undergo seven-day institutional quarantine followed by seven-day home quarantine.