Mangaluru: The outbreak of the new Omicron variant of Covid – 19 has instilled fear among international travellers, resulting in a significant decline in the number of passengers.
Despite the fact that international flight services from Gulf countries are available to the City, under the Union Government’s Vande Bharat scheme, just two or three flights arrive at the City’s International Airport. While some travellers who had planned to travel to India for Christmas and New Year celebrations have cancelled their flights, others have rescheduled. The State Government has mandated a PCR test and seven-day home quarantine. Those who are asymptomatic will be tested on the 7th day.
CA Valerian Dalmaida said, “People are concerned but not scared. My wife and I have booked tickets to travel to India on December 27 but we are still waiting for the Indian Health authorities to provide us with an update on Omicron. If there is a quarantine, we will lose number of days, and we are unsure if there will be any restrictions from the UAE when we return. My two sons have also bought tickets but they are unsure if they will travel. A friend of mine and his family has cancelled tickets to India.”
“Some people are perplexed. Some people take the chance and travel. For me, I’m taking a chance and I am travelling,” said Rajesh Sequiera.
Nelson Cutinha said that, “I am presently in Mangaluru and was set to return to the UAE on Saturday December 11, however owing to a new variant, we will go early on Friday December 10.“
Passengers arriving at the City’s international airport from other countries are currently subjected to a random medical test. While boarding the flight in their respective abroad country, they must have a negative RT – PCR report.
Those travelling to UAE from Mangaluru must have a 48-hour RT- PCR negative test certificate with them. They will also be subjected to a RAT test at the airport. A negative certificate is required. Passengers travelling to Qatar, Doha, and Kuwait, on the other hand, are exempted from the RAT test, and for them it is enough to have a negative RT – PCR test certificate.
