Air Bubble Agreement between India and South Asia: A Step Towards Reopening International Travel

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world in more ways than one. One of the most significant changes has been the impact on travel and tourism. Many countries have imposed restrictions on international travel to prevent the spread of the virus. India was no exception, with the government imposing a ban on all international flights in March 2020. However, with the situation improving, India has now signed an Air Bubble Agreement with several countries in South Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. Let`s take a closer look at the Air Bubble Agreement and what it means for travel between India and South Asia.

What is an Air Bubble Agreement?

An Air Bubble Agreement is a temporary arrangement between two countries to restart commercial passenger services. Under this agreement, airlines from each country are allowed to operate a specified number of flights to and from the partner country. This arrangement is generally meant for countries that have controlled the spread of the virus and have a similar level of infection rates.

What are the terms of the Air Bubble Agreement between India and South Asia?

Under the Air Bubble Agreement, each country will be allowed to operate a certain number of flights per week. For instance, India will operate 10 flights per week to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, while the Maldives will operate six flights per week. Similarly, each partner country will be allowed to operate a specific number of flights to India. These flights will be allowed to carry any passenger who meets the entry requirements of the destination country.

Who can travel under the Air Bubble Agreement?

The Air Bubble Agreement is primarily aimed at facilitating travel for certain categories of passengers. These include stranded Indian citizens, permanent residents of India, and foreign nationals with a valid visa for India. Additionally, passengers who are allowed to travel under the Vande Bharat Mission or the bilateral Bubble agreements with other countries may also travel to and from India. However, before they can travel, passengers must comply with the health protocols of the respective countries, including mandatory testing and quarantine requirements.

What are the benefits of the Air Bubble Agreement?

The Air Bubble Agreement is a significant development for the travel industry, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic. The agreement will help restart commercial passenger services between India and South Asia and is expected to boost tourism and business travel. Additionally, the arrangement will provide a lifeline to the airline industry, which has been struggling to stay afloat due to the pandemic.

In conclusion, the Air Bubble Agreement between India and South Asia is a positive step towards resuming international travel. While the arrangement is temporary, it provides hope for a gradual return to normalcy. However, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over yet, and we must continue to take all necessary precautions to stay safe.