India-UAE flights: Why passengers have to reach airport 5-6 hours before departure

The UAE authorities have made rapid PCR test mandatory for passengers conducted not more than four hours before the flight. These paid tests have to be done at source airports, the UAE authorities have said.

As India-UAE flights have resumed from August 7 under specific guidelines, airlines have started issuing directives for the passengers. Air India's subsidiary Air India Express on Wednesday issued guidelines asking passengers to reach the airports six hours in advance. A similar directive was issued by IndiGo earlier.

Air India Express has asked its passengers to reach the airport at least 5-6 hours before departure. (PTI/ Representative Image)

The UAE has mandated a negative PCR test of every passenger conducted not more than four hours before the flight. Because of this time stipulation, the tests have to be done at the source airports. "The teat counters will start 4 hours before the departure time and would close 2 hours prior to departure," the Air India Express said, asking flyers to reach the airports at least six hours prior to the scheduled departure.

After banning all passengers from India, including UAE residents, the UAE government in the first week of August decided to allow partial relaxation to Indian flyers. Apart from allowing transit passengers, the UAE also allowed UAE residents with residence proof, students, medical professionals and professionals working for the UAE government or government agencies.

UAE's national carrier Etihad Airways has updated its guidelines for passengers and said that UAE residents flying to Abu Dhabi from India must quarantine at home for 12 days. "When you arrive in Abu Dhabi, you will be required to quarantine for 12 days and wear a medically approved wristband for the duration of your quarantine," the revised protocol read. The passengers will also have to take a PCR test on arrival, on day six and day eleven.