AAI to add more RT-PCR test counters at airport

Chennai: Airports Authority of India (AAI) will add more counters and has requested the state police to carry out crowd control to prevent congestion in front of pre-departure rapid RT-PCR test counters at the international terminal of Chennai airport.

“We have increased the number of counters and will add 10 RT-PCR machines. Have given orders for 20 machines which are likely to come in a few weeks. A helpdesk and more bilingual sign boards or display boards have been added,” said an official.

The move comes after passengers complained that too many people were crowding in front of the test centre and that there were too many procedures to follow.

The rapid RT-PCR test centre was set up after passengers travelling to the Middle East, especially the UAE, wanted passengers to bring the results of a pre-departure test taken six hours prior to departure in addition to the vaccine certificate.

“Dubai is asking for a hard copy of the results. This is causing a hassle though we have a system to send the results online. Online payment gateway is currently on trial and will be accessible to passengers from October 20. This is likely to reduce the time in queue."

Officials said that crowd control measures are being done as people who accompany passengers crowd near the counter.