The GMR-led Hyderabad airport has launched Covid-19 testing facility for passengers on international flights. The service aims to ensure a safe journey for all passengers entering the city, scheduled for domestic connecting flights as well as international departing passengers.

As per Telangana State health regulations, all arriving international passengers having onward connections need to have a negative RT-PCR test certificate (done within 96 hours prior to the departure time) either from port of origin or test done on arrival at Hyderabad airport to avoid institutional quarantine.

The airport has partnered with Mapmygenome, a Hyderabad-based National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for the testing facility.

The sample collection counters are set up at two locations:

  • For arriving international passengers having an onward journey, the counter is available at the immigration level at the airport.
  • For departing international passengers, the sample collection counter is made available at the forecourt of Interim International Departures Terminal (IIDT).

Apart from the on-site testing facility for passengers, the lab also offers walk-in options for airport personnel or anyone interested in getting a test done.

While registering for the test, passengers need to provide details such as name, contact details and valid ID proof. Results of samples will be declared within three to four hours. Passengers are advised to factor this time span when booking their connecting flights.

In case the passenger tests positive, they will be processed in line with applicable ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) protocols issued by the state authorities.

Pradeep Panicker, chief executive officer, GMR Hyderabad International Airport said:

“In line with Ministry of Civil Aviation and state government guidelines, we have come up with a Covid-19 testing facility at the airport itself to ensure easier availability of testing for all arriving international passengers and others who require access to such a facility.

“The Covid-19 testing laboratory is equipped with all necessary testing and sample collection facilities, in compliance with the protocols established by ICMR and NABL. We are confident that this step will further boost passenger convenience and instill more confidence in air travel as the safest mode of transportation in the post pandemic world.”

hyderabad.aero