International flights, January: On a contrary to its earlier decision of temporary banning the UK flights, the Indian government had announced the resumption of the flights with the UK from January 8. However, the Centre has announced that all the international passengers must undergo a mandatory self-paid RT-PCR Test on the arrival at the airports.

These measures are to be taken against the new coronavirus strain that has been found internationally in many countries and now in India as well. The statement came after the air activities between the 2 countries were temporarily halted on December 22as it claimed 38 travellers in India. The Centre issued some safety guidelines and said that the passengers travelling between January 8 and 31 would be ‘mandatorily subjected to self-paid RT-PCR tests on their arrival at Indian airports.’

The guidelines further added, “Adequate arrangements for passengers waiting for their RT-PCR test as well as test results duly following effective isolation may also be made at the airports in conjunction with the airport authorities.” According to the SOPs, the passengers are asked to submit a self-declaration form on the online portal newdelhiairport.in before at least 72 hours of their flights. Also, they must carry their negative test with them. Other than this, the airlines are asked to ensure a strict availability of negative test report of each passenger prior to allowing them on-board.

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Passengers being found positive at the airport during the International flights will be isolated in an institutional isolation facility set up by the State Health Authorities. Union Civil Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday took to Twitter to share the news, “Resumption of flights between India & UK: India to the UK from 6 Jan 2021. The UK to India from 8 Jan 2021. 30 flights will operate every week. 15 each by Indian & UK carriers. This schedule is valid till 23 Jan 2021. The further frequency will be determined after review.”