In view of Omicron's threat, the center mandates that travelers from "high-risk" countries book in advance the RT-PCR tests they need to perform on arrival. However, passengers who have not booked the test will be allowed to board the plane. The airlines concerned are responsible for booking tests for such passengers.
The United Kingdom has similar guidelines under which all passengers arriving in the country need to book an RT-PCR test in advance. Anyone who fails to do so is not allowed to board a flight to a British airport.
In India, the rule will take effect from December 20. In the first phase, it will only be applicable to international passengers arriving at the six airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
A memo issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that “The Air Suvidha portal will be revised. If passengers come from or have visited a'risky' country, they can compulsorily book RT-PCR testing. In the past Within 14 days...In order to stabilize the system and ensure that passengers will not have any problems in booking, payment, etc., it may be implemented in the six metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore, and Hyderabad in the first phase."
According to the Ministry of Health, in addition to South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Ghana, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Israel, there are European countries on the list of "at risk" countries, including the United Kingdom.
"The DGCA is required to issue an inquiry to all airlines to check the mandatory bookings of their passengers before boarding. If any passengers encounter any difficulties in booking, they may not be denied boarding, but the airline is responsible for identifying and Accompany these passengers to the airport check-in counter for testing," the memo added.
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