Air Bubble Agreement between India and Other Countries

The Indian government recently signed an `air bubble agreement` with several countries, aimed at resuming international air travel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we will explore what this agreement entails and how it can impact air travel in India.

Firstly, what is an air bubble agreement? It is a temporary travel arrangement between two countries that allows their airlines to operate international flights with certain restrictions. The agreement is called an `air bubble` because it creates a virtual bubble that isolates the travelers from the rest of the world, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

India has signed air bubble agreements with several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, UAE, Maldives, and more. This means that Indian airlines can operate flights to these countries, and vice versa, under specific conditions.

One of the conditions is that only people eligible under that country`s travel restrictions can enter or leave that country. For example, if a traveler wants to fly from India to the United States, they must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid visa. Similarly, if a traveler wants to fly from the United States to India, they must be an Indian citizen, OCI cardholder, or have a valid visa.

Another condition is that all travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test report before boarding the flight. The test must be conducted within a specific period before the flight, as specified by the destination country. Passengers may also be required to undergo a health screening upon arrival.

Furthermore, the number of flights and passengers allowed under the air bubble agreement is limited, and specific protocols must be followed during the entire flight journey. These protocols include mandatory wearing of masks, use of hand sanitizers, and social distancing wherever possible.

The air bubble agreement is a significant step towards reopening international air travel, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will help to revive the tourism industry, boost trade, and facilitate the movement of people for various reasons, such as education, business, and medical emergencies.

In conclusion, the air bubble agreement between India and other countries is a positive move towards resuming international air travel while ensuring the safety of travelers. With the COVID-19 situation continuously evolving, these agreements may change or expand, and travelers must keep themselves up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and regulations.