Karnataka: Rapid RT-PCR launched at MIA; no flights till UAE gives approval for tests

MANGALURU: Though the dry run for Rapid RT-PCR tests at the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) was conducted successfully and services were launched on Monday, there will be no flights going out to the United Arab Emirates from the MIA as of now.
The flight operators have sent the test reports to the UAE authorities for their approval.
In the absence of approval till Monday evening, low-cost carrier Air India Express (AIE) cancelled Tuesday’s Abu Dhabi flight.
But even after this, only Dubai and Abu Dhabi Emirates Resident Visa Holders can fly out from MIA and other Emirates Resident Visa holders can only land at Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah, since AIE operates to these destinations and Spicejet operates only to Dubai.
Sources indicate that Indigo is likely to fly to Sharjah thus easing the woes of expats holding other resident visas.
Sources at the airport said the cost of rapid RT-PCR is Rs 3,200 per passenger and passengers may have to come up to six hours in advance so that the process can be eased out.
The test time after swab collection will be around 30 minutes.
There are 30 machines installed for this purpose at the MIA.
MIA has tied up with Apollo Diagnostics to offer Rapid RT-PCR tests to passengers at the airport premises.
As per the health requirements for the Gulf bound passengers, each passenger must have a negative rapid RT-PCR test conducted at the airport four hour prior to boarding the flight.
MIA said tests will be conducted in a safe and sterile environment for the passengers with all Covid SOPs protocols in place.
Passengers have been advised to travel well in advance so that all passengers can be tested in time.