Garuda Indonesia to test passengers for COVID-19

Garuda Indonesia is planning to provide rapid testing services for future passengers to curb the spread of the highly infectious virus on airplanes, president director Irfan Setiaputra told a hearing with House of Representatives Commission VI on Wednesday. “There is a plan that we, along with Angkasa Pura I, Angkasa Pura II and the air transport authority, will conduct [the COVID-19] rapid test for anyone [on] aircraft once flights [resume],” Irfan said, referring to the two state-owned airport operators. Airlines operating routes in Indonesia have grounded their aircraft to comply with the government’s ban on travel to and from COVID-19 "red zones". The large-scale social restrictions implemented in major Indonesian cities with hub airports has also heavily impacted airline frequency. Irfan said that the flag carrier had already implemented health protocols including regular disinfection of aircraft, temperature scanning and check-ups for passengers, and onboard physical distancing.<br/>