India re-introduces Covid-19 testing for international passengers

IATA has said India’s decision to re-introduce coronavirus testing for international passengers is “disappointing and a step backwards.”

The India government took the decision to reintroduce the testing after a spurt in coronavirus cases in different parts of the world.  Testing will namely be for passengers arriving from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand from January 1. Last week, authorities also started random testing of two per cent of passengers arriving on each international flight.

Philip Goh, IATA’s regional vice pesident for Asia Pacific, said: “India’s decision to reintroduce Covid-19 testing is disappointing and a step backwards. We are in a different situation from when Covid-19 started about three years ago. Medical treatments are available. Vaccination levels are high. Governments need to respond based on science and facts.”