RT-PCR Test Pre-booking Now Mandatory for Int'l Passengers Arriving at 6 Airports; Here's Step-by-step Guide to Book Online

A healthcare worker collects a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test swab sample from a woman at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. (File photo: PTI)

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced pre-book RT-PCR tests for international passengers at six airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

International passengers are now mandatorily required to pre-book RT-PCR tests at six airports including Delhi and Mumbai, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced on December 14. The other airports where pre-booking of RT-PCR tests has been made compulsory for international passengers are Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

The DGCA has announced that commercial international flights from India will resume on January 31 amid rising fear of the new Omicron variant. Ahead of this, the DGCA had announced that the scheduled flight will resume from December 15. This order was revised when the nation displayed concerns over another wave due to the new variant. The DGCA had also announced that the order would not affect the current flights that are operating as it is only for the complete resumption that has now been postponed.

Last month, the Centre decided to normalise international flight operations, which remained suspended from March 2020. DGCA further said that the air bubble arrangement that India has with several countries should remain intact.

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“In view of the merging global scenario… the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course," stated a note from the DGCA.

What is a COVID-19 RT PCR test?

RT PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) is a testing technique wherein RNA template is used for detection and amplification of viral RNA. By using reverse transcriptase, RNA is converted to complementary DNA (cDNA).

In this test, a swab is taken from the throat or nose of the person who is getting tested. This swab contains a small quantity of the RNA of the virus, therefore it is amplified to produce material that is enough for testing whether or not coronavirus has infected the person.

To detect the same in the test, the RNA is converted into a two-strand DNA, using the process known as reverse transcription.

Why is RT PCR test preferred for travellers?

The results of the rapid antigen test can come out in about half an hour, so it is good for those travelling. According to Delhi Airport website, the RT-PCR Test comes with a price tag of Rs 500, while the RAPID PCR Test, it is priced at Rs 3,500.