India’s Delhi Airport begins Covid-19 testing for international flights

Passengers boarding international flights at Delhi Airport in India can now get tested for Covid-19 before their departure.

The testing lab is operated by Genestrings Diagnostic Center.

This facility, which became operational from 12 September at the multi-level car parking area of Terminal 3, was available only for arrival passengers until now.

Genestrings stated: “The facility has now been extended to air travellers leaving India for other countries. Notably, international travel rules require passengers travelling from one country to another to produce Covid-19 negative reports.”

The testing lab uses RT-PCR tests and provides reports within six hours.

Passengers need to arrive at the airport seven to eight hours prior to their scheduled flight to take the test.

According to the press release: “The test is available 24/7 and is priced at Rs2,400 ($32.4) as mandated by the Delhi government.”

Genestrings Diagnostic Center director Rajat Arora said: “As more people are now taking up international travel, Delhi Airport authorities felt the need to provide the testing facility to outbound passengers as well.”

Genestrings Diagnostics has increased its count of lab technicians at the facility given that it expects more number of samples in the coming days.

Genestrings Diagnostic Centre is a group company of Yashoda Hospitals.

India has suspended scheduled international flights since 23 March due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown. However, special passenger flights to international destinations have been operational under Vande Bharat Mission since May.