India-UK Flights Resume Today Amid Rising Cases Of New Covid-19 Strain; Mandatory ‘Self-Paid’ RT-PCR Test Upon Arrival

All passengers coming from the UK between January 8 and January 30 would be mandatorily subjected to self-paid RT-PCR tests on arrival at the Indian airports concerned.

(Photo by Narinder NANU / AFP)

The operations of flights from United Kingdom to India have resumed from today, as per the directions of the aviation authorities. Even as the cases of the new highly infectious strain of the Covid-19 variant continue to rise, the government is reopening flights from UK, which were closed in the last week of December. The first flight carrying 256 passengers from UK arrived in Delhi today from London. It is to be noted that the flights from India to the UK had already resumed from January 6. Union Civil Aviation Minister had earlier announced that flights between India and the United Kingdom will resume from January 8. However, the frequency of flights will be capped to 15 per week for each airline career. Puri had said that till January 23, 30 flights will operate every week. The decision of banning the flights was taken keeping in view the concerns over the 'highly infectious' new Covid-19 strain first spotted in the United Kingdom. According to an SOP issued by the health ministry earlier this month, all passengers coming from the UK between January 8 and January 30 would be subjected to self-paid COVID-19 tests on arrival. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind if traveling from UK to India:

• All passengers coming from the UK between January 8 and January 30 would be mandatorily subjected to self-paid RT-PCR tests on arrival at the Indian airports concerned.
• All passengers should submit self-declaration form on the online portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) at least 72 hours before the scheduled travel.
• All the passengers arriving from the UK should be carrying a negative RT-PCR Test report for which test should be conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey. The same also shall be uploaded on the online portal (www.newdelhiairport.in).
• In-flight announcements must also be made explaining the relevant information to the passengers. Relevant information in this regard shall be prominently displayed in the arrival area and waiting area of the airports of arrival.
• Adequate arrangements for passengers waiting for their RT-PCR test as well as test results duly following effective isolation may also be made at the airports in conjunction with the airport authorities.