A rapid PCR test facility for Covid-19 has been set up at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport for passengers flying abroad, especially those heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has made these tests mandatory.

With the  UAE easing restrictions on transit passenger traffic from India, flights have resumed from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru and Trivandrum from August 7.

"Acting on the latest travel guidelines issued by United Arab Emirates (UAE), Genestrings Diagnostic Centre has set up Rapid PCR test facilities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The testing facility will have about 50 Rapid PCR machines based on ID NOW technology to begin with and is looking at doubling this capacity as the demand increases. Cost per test will be INR 5000 with reports in 45-60 minutes," Dr Gauri Agarwal, founder, Genestrings Diagnostic Centre told news agency ANI.

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She said this will help over 4 lakh passengers who have been stranded due to the lockdown and will now being flying back to resume work.

According to UAE guidelines, flyers would also be required to take the Rapid PCR test from approved labs 72 hours before departure. The travelers will also have to take a rapid Covid-19 test not more than four hours before boarding the flight.

UAE residents will also have to present certificates of being fully vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccines that have been approved by the UAE health authorities, before they are permitted to travel. For travelling to UAE, the passenger must have taken the second dose at least 14 days before departure.