Guidelines for those Coming to India from the UK: Passengers Must Undergo RT-PCR Test At Their Own Expense, Flights Will Resume From January 8th

Friyana Munshi

New Delhi, January 2, 2021: Flights from India to the UK will start from January 6, while flights from the UK to India will start from January 8. Each week 15 flights will operate from both countries. 

In order to observe and fight the new variant of Corona, the Ministry of Health has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which is for airlines and passengers. Travellers coming from the UK will be required to undergo RT-PCR tests at their expenses.

Special Features of SOP:

1.) Passengers arriving from the UK will be required to undergo RT-PCR tests at their own expense at airports.

2.) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will issue permits to eligible airlines of UK for limited flights. It will be kept in mind that there will appropriate intervals between the 2 fights coming from the UK, so that the airport isn’t crowded. The DCGA will also monitor that no airlines permit transit through a third country airport to passengers coming from the UK.

3.) Every passenger must provide their travel history for the last 14 days. The declaration form will also be necessary to be filled in for the corona examination.

4.) Passengers arriving from the UK between 8 January and 30 January must submit a self-declaration form at www.newdelhiairport.in within 72 hours prior to the trip.

5.) All passengers are required to bring a negative report of the RT-PCR test done 72 hours before the flight. It must be uploaded on www.delhiairport.in

6.) Airlines must ensure that the passenger is granted the travel permission only after providing a covid negative report.

7.) Airlines must display information related to SOP in the waiting area of the airport. Prior to check-in, the passengers must be explained regarding the same, also announcements must be made in the flights as well.

8.) Passengers who are found positive in testing at the airport will be housed in the State Health Authorities Co-ordinated Separate Isolation Center.

9.) If the old variant is found in genome sequencing, then the existing protocol for placing the patient in quarantine at home or covid center will be applicable. If a new variant is found, the patient will be kept in the isolation unit itself.