Mumbai Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Process

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) offers COVID-19 testing facilities for passengers. The airport has previously been the centre of controversy, with some passengers alleging that the airport's testing and quarantine protocols are a scam to make money. In 2021, the cost of a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport was halved from Rs 3,900 to Rs 1,975. As of 2020, CSMIA has offered express COVID-19 RT-PCR testing for departing passengers, with results available in 13 minutes to two hours.

Covid-19 RT-PCR tests are available at Mumbai Airport

The RT-PCR test costs Rs 850 and results are available in 8-10 hours for departing passengers and 24-48 hours for arriving passengers. The test reports are sent via email.

Mumbai Airport also offers an express RT-PCR test for Rs 4,500, with results available in 13-24 minutes. This test was introduced on 15 December 2020 and is available for all domestic arriving and departing passengers at Level 10 – Departures Area.

In addition to the RT-PCR tests, Mumbai Airport also offers rapid antigen tests for Rs 1,975 (previously Rs 3,900). These tests use different technology to provide results within 13 minutes to two hours.

Passengers have complained about the mandatory and paid nature of the testing at Mumbai Airport, especially when compared to free testing available in the city. However, officials have stated that these measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and that passengers can avoid the cost by getting tested and carrying a negative report before arriving at the airport.

Tests cost Rs 850

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai offers COVID-19 testing for all arriving and departing passengers. The RT-PCR test costs Rs 850 and results are available in 8-10 hours for departing passengers and 24-48 hours for arriving passengers. The test is mandatory for passengers arriving from certain states, including Rajasthan, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka.

Passengers have expressed frustration over the mandatory paid testing, especially when free testing is available in the city. Some have questioned the purpose of the testing, as they are allowed to leave the airport and move freely until they receive their results. However, a Mumbai Airport Authority Limited (MIAL) official stated that passengers who do not want to pay for the test at the airport can get tested before travelling and carry their negative report.

In addition to the standard RT-PCR test, CSMIA also offers an express test with results available in as little as 13 minutes. This test costs Rs 4,500. The availability of rapid testing is particularly beneficial for passengers with connecting flights who need quick results to continue their journeys.

The COVID-19 testing program at Mumbai Airport has faced some controversy, with allegations of scams and complaints about the test-and-quarantine protocol. However, the airport authorities maintain that the testing is crucial for preventing the spread of the virus and complying with government directives.

Results are available in 13 minutes to 24 hours

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai offers a range of COVID-19 testing options for arriving and departing passengers, with results available in as little as 13 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the type of test chosen.

For those seeking rapid results, CSMIA introduced the 'Abbott 'ID Now' COVID-19 test in December 2015, providing results in just 13 minutes. This express test, however, comes at a higher cost, with flyers needing to pay Rs. 4,500. It is worth noting that this test is specifically designed for departing passengers who may need a quick turnaround to catch their connecting flights.

On the other hand, regular RT-PCR tests are also available at the airport and are more affordable, costing Rs. 850. These tests typically provide results within 8 to 10 hours for departing passengers and 24 to 48 hours for arriving passengers. The longer turnaround time for arriving passengers may be due to the requirement to wait for results before proceeding to their final destination or taking a connecting flight.

It is important to note that the cost of rapid COVID-19 tests at Mumbai Airport has been a subject of discussion and fluctuation. In December 2021, the cost of these rapid tests was halved from Rs. 3,900 to Rs. 1,975, providing some relief to travellers.

While the availability of express testing at CSMIA addresses passenger concerns about varying COVID-19 regulations at their destinations, it has not been without controversy. Some travellers have expressed frustration with the mandatory paid testing upon arrival, especially when free testing is available elsewhere in the city. This has led to allegations of "scam" and complaints about the potential for financial exploitation.

Tests are mandatory for passengers from certain states

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai offers COVID-19 testing for arriving and departing passengers. Testing is mandatory for passengers arriving from certain states, including Rajasthan, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Passengers arriving at the airport without a negative COVID-19 report done within 72 hours of their arrival are required to undergo testing at the airport.

The cost of rapid COVID-19 tests at the Mumbai airport has been a source of contention for passengers. Initially, the test cost Rs. 3,900, but the price was later reduced to Rs. 1,975. Passengers have expressed frustration over being charged for testing at the airport, especially when tests are conducted for free in the city by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC Assistant Commissioner, Devendra Kumar Jain, stated that flyers who want to avoid paying for the test at the airport can get tested before travelling and carry their negative report with them.

The airport offers both regular RT-PCR tests and express tests. The RT-PCR test reports are typically available within 6-8 hours for a cost under Rs. 1,000, while the express test, using different technology, provides results within 13 minutes to two hours for a cost of Rs. 4,500. For those seeking immediate results, an additional fee of Rs. 4,500 is charged, and they can receive their report in 15 minutes.

The COVID-19 testing program at Mumbai Airport has faced criticism and allegations of being a "scam" to make money. Some passengers have questioned the validity of the tests, claiming that they tested negative before their flight only to test positive at Mumbai Airport. Others have complained about the mandatory nature of the testing and the lack of alternative options to isolate or quarantine until results are available.

Some passengers have alleged testing at Mumbai Airport is a scam

Covid Testing at Mumbai Airport

Mumbai Airport does offer Covid testing for arriving passengers. However, some passengers have alleged that the testing at the airport is a scam. In December 2021, the cost of a rapid Covid test at the airport was Rs 1,975, down from Rs 3,900 previously. The regular RT-PCR test costs under Rs 1,000 and takes 6-8 hours for the results, while the rapid test uses different technology to provide results within 13 minutes to two hours.

Paid Testing at the Airport

Passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport have complained that they are forced to take a paid Covid test when those arriving by train or bus are tested for free. The test costs Rs 850, and the results are sent online within 8 to 24 hours. Some passengers have questioned the point of such tests, as they are allowed to leave the airport and move freely until they receive their results.

Allegations of a Scam

An Indian-origin UK national, Manoj Ladwa, has been one of the most vocal critics of the testing protocol at Mumbai Airport. In a Facebook video that went viral, he alleged that the authorities are trying to extort money from passengers by faking Covid-19 test results. He claimed that he tested negative before boarding his flight from London's Heathrow Airport but was magically tested positive at Mumbai Airport, along with 15 other passengers on the same flight. He further stated that he was refused a second test and was not allowed to undergo an independent test, getting stuck at the airport for four hours.

Response from Authorities

Mumbai Airport Authority Limited (MIAL) officials have stated that they are only following state government orders. Meanwhile, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official has said that passengers who don't want to pay for the test at the airport can get it done beforehand and carry the report with them. However, the BMC Assistant Commissioner, Devendra Kumar Jain, could not clearly explain why only flyers were being charged for tests.

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