Soekarno-Hatta Airport operator Angkasa Pura II (AP II) confirmed that passengers will be required to present a negative result of a rapid antigen test.

“Based on a circular issued by the Transportation Ministry, a rapid antigen test is a requirement for would-be passengers beginning tomorrow, Dec. 22,” said the airport executive general manager, Agus Haryadi on Monday.

Agus appealed to the public not to panic following the new policy issuance. Passengers willing to take flight today can still present a rapid antibody test instead of a rapid antigen test. “This is valid until tonight at 12 a.m,” he added.

Until now, Agus claimed the number of people willing to take the tests at the airport kept rising in line with the hike in the public panic level.

Thousands of people flocked to the COVID-19 service areas in Terminal 2, causing a long queue. “At Terminal 3, the line does not seem too long because of the vast area but it takes up to 3 hours,” he said.

Agus ensured that AP II officers were securing and managing the people well and that the predetermined health protocols against the coronavirus disease were applied at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport.