The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has recently launched its express COVID-19 RT-PCR test facility. This facility is available for all passengers departing from the airport. It is also available for non-passengers that will be visiting the airport to drop off their loved ones.
The test has been launched in tandem with the directive from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
This express test will address passenger concerns with respect to the different COVID-19 regulations required by various domestic and international destinations. Through this initiative, departing passengers can undergo the test at the airport and then proceed to travel to their destination. They can then produce the negative test result and skip the quarantine required by their destination.
This facility is set up on the curbside of Level 4 at Terminal 2 for departing passengers. Non-passengers can also undergo the test at this location.
Through an online booking or by registering themselves at the helpdesk, passengers can enrol for the RT-PCR test before entering the terminal. Within 8 hours, they will receive a digital copy on their mail. They can also collect the physical copy of the test report. Hence, departing passengers are requested to arrive at the airport 8-12 hours before departure.
CSMIA had first launched the test facility on September 6, 2020. This was only for arriving international passengers travelling to a domestic destination from Mumbai as a measure to skip quarantine upon arrival. However, this was later extended to all passengers arriving at the airport as directed by MoCA.
Since the launch of the test facility, CSMIA has observed a total of over 3,340 passengers who opted for the test. The testing facility at the airport registers on average approximately 100 tests per day at the airport.
Out of the tests conducted at the airport till date, 38 passengers have tested positive for COVID-19. They were then transferred by the state authorities to designated COVID-19 institutions. Additionally, the testing at the airport is the fastest test facility in the city of Mumbai.
Also Read: India’s Air Bubble: Adds Ukraine And Starts Direct Flights To London Under UK Bubble
