India establishes ‘air bubble’ with UK and Germany

In the wake of coronavirus induced lockdown, India has been in the middle of reaching ‘air bubbles’ with single nations to maintain controlled international flight operations resuming, apart from repatriation flights.

Travel bubbles, also known as travel bridges or green corridors, remove the waiting period for travelers from certain countries, by allowing the countries to operate their respective carriers.

As of now India had ‘air bubble’ arrangements with the United States and France, however, it is now learnt that India has now reached the agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom too.

As per the agreement Indian ,British and German airlines while operating inbound flights into India can carry stranded Indian nationals, foreigners (including diplomats and OCI card holders), who are eligible to enter India as per MHA guidlines dated 30.06.2020, Indian ministry of civil aviation said in a statment.

It is also reported that, soon, the flights between the countries will be announced by the respective national carriers.

Under Air bubble agreements, the US’s United Airlines announced 18 flights between India and the US from July 17 to 31 and Air France agreed to operate 28 flights in total from Delhi/Mumbai and Bangalore between July 18 to August 1.

According to India Today TV, the agreement with both countries has now been extended for another two weeks at least, up to August 15.

The limited period agreement with the United Arab Emirates though, between July 12 to July 26, is yet to be renewed. Under this agreement, UAE had finally allowed for ICA-approved UAE residents to board flights from India to UAE. Up until then, Indian carriers were flying empty to the UAE, under the Vande Bharat Mission.