- The test is available for both passengers as well as non-passengers
Mumbai. 19 October 2020. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has launched its express COVID-19 RT-PCR test facility for all passengers departing from the airport from October 15, 2020. This facility is also available for non-passengers visiting the airport to drop off or collect their loved ones. This initiative addresses passenger concerns regarding the different COVID-19 regulations across domestic and international destinations; departing passengers can undergo the test at CSMIA before travelling to their onward destination and produce their negative test report to skip institutional quarantine at their destination.
Initially launched for arriving international transit passengers in line with the directive from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), CSMIA has now further extended the availability of the test facility for passengers departing from the airport as well. The facility is located on the curbside of Level 4 at Terminal 2 for departing passenger; non-passengers can also opt to undergo the test at this location. Departing passengers can make an online booking by through the test feature available on www.csmia.aero or register themselves at the helpdesk set up at departures to enroll for the RT-PCR test before entering the terminal and receive a digital copy mailed directly or can also collect the physical copy of the test report within 8 hours. Passengers departing from the airport are encouraged to arrive at the terminal 8-12 hours before their scheduled departure.
CSMIA had first launched the RT-PCR test facility on September 6, 2020, for arriving international passengers transiting to a domestic destination from Mumbai as a measure to skip institutional quarantine upon arrival. This was later extended to all passengers arriving at the airport as directed by MoCA. Since the commemoration of the test facility at the airport, CSMIA has witnessed a total of over 3,340 passengers who opted for the test, of which over 2930 were males and over 400 females. The testing facility at the airport registers on average approx. 100 tests per day at the airport. Out of the test conducted at the airport till date, 38 passengers tested positive for Covid-19 and were transferred by the state authorities to designated COVID-19 institutions. Additionally, the RT-PCR testing at the airport is the fastest test facility in the city of Mumbai.
With test facilities now available at both departures and arrivals at the airport, passengers can easily transit to and from CSMIA with comfort. The airport continues to follow all protocols laid down by the government and maintain the highest standard of hygiene along with all necessary standard operating procedures to curb the spread of the virus. CSMIA is making all efforts to mitigate travel restrictions for its passengers and provide in a secure and seamless journey in the wake of the pandemic.
