A number of airports in India are setting up rapid PCR testing booths to manage the surge in passengers to Dubai as flights to the emirate resumed on June 23. The rapid testing booths will provide the results of the PCR tests to passengers within hours. As per travel protocols, all passengers travelling from India to Dubai are required to test negative for COVID-19 before their flight.

Some international airports in India have already set up PCR testing booths for passengers. More airports, including in Kerala, are installing testing booths to ensure the safety of all passengers.

From Wednesday, fully vaccinated residents are allowed to travel from India to Dubai. Passengers are required to be vaccinated with two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine and hold a valid residency visa. According to Dubai health officials, India's Covishield vaccine is accepted for travel to the emirate.

In addition, travellers are also required to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of departure as well as a rapid PCR test taken four hours before their flight.

Here is a list of leading airports in India offering rapid PCR tests on the premises:

Mumbai International Airport: The airport is offering a rapid PCR test at a cost of Dh90 (4,500 Indian rupees) with results arriving in two hours. Passengers can book the test online at their convenience.

Delhi International Airport: A rapid PCR test at Delhi airport will cost Dh39, providing the results within four to six hours. Authorities have advised passengers to book an appointment at least four to six hours before departure.

Bengaluru International Airport: The airport is providing test results in less than 15 minutes. Passengers can also take the test at another centre set up at the Aster Airport Medical Centre.

Kolkata International Airport: At a cost of Dh74, the airport is providing test results within eight hours. Unlike other airports, the Kolkata airport is allowing passengers to get tested only between 10 am and 6 pm. They are required to collect their test results from the testing centre.

Kochi International Airport: Passengers have to pay Dh84 at the Kochi airport for a rapid PCR test. The test result will be provided to them within 24 hours.

Ahmedabad International Airport: The airport's testing is offering RT-Lamp (reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification) tests to the passengers. This test is equivalent to a rapid PCR test, providing results within 30 minutes. The test costs Dh223 to passengers to Dubai.

Out of the total 34 international airports in India, a third of them are currently operating flights to Dubai. In addition, international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and other cities of Kerala are offering rapid PCR tests.

At the same time, some airports are going to outsource PCR testing to private healthcare providers for rapid results for passengers' convenience, as reported by Indian media.