After the United States and France, India has also set up individual bilateral or travel bubbles with Germany, which allow airlines in each country to operate international flights in a pact.
India started Phase 5th of the Vande Bharat Mission on August 1 to repatriate stranded Indians from these countries. In return, these flights will also take their stranded nationals from India.
Air India is operating flights to France, Germany and the US under these transport bubbles, as part of Vande Bharat Mission phase 5.
On July 9, India announced an air bubble with the UAE to operate flights July 12-26. Planned international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
See also: Vande Bharat Mission Phase 5: Full Flights Schedule
What are the travel bubbles / air travel arrangements?
Air bladders or air travel bubbles are temporary agreements between two countries that aim to resume commercial passenger service when regular international flights cease due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which countries do India have travel bubbles/ air travel arrangements with?
India has created travel bubbles with USA, France, and Germany while also has air travel arrangements with United Kingdom.
Who all can fly from India to the UK as a part of the air travel arrangements?
While operating outbound flights from India, both Indian and British airlines are permitted to carry:
- Indian nationals who are permitted to travel abroad as per MHA guidelines dated 01.07.2020 and are destined for the UK
- Stranded UK nationals/residents, foreign nationals transiting through UK or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise
- Seamen of foreign nationalities (Seamen of Indian origin would be allowed
subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping)
Who all can fly from the UK to India as a part of the air travel arrangements
Both Indian and British 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 guidelines dated 30.06.2020.
Who all can fly from USA/France/Germany to India as a part of the travel bubble?
Both Indian and foreign 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 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines dated 30.06.2020
Who all can fly from India to the USA as a part of the travel bubble?
While operating outbound flights from India, both Indian and US airlines are permitted to carry:
- Indian nationals who are permitted to travel abroad as per MHA guidelines dated 01.07.2020 and holding valid US visas
- US citizens, legal permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding valid US visas
Who can fly from India to France as a part of the travel bubble
While operating outbound flights from India, both Indian and French airlines are permitted to carry:
- Indian nationals who are permitted to travel abroad as per MHA guidelines dated 01.07.2020 and destined for EU
- Seamen of foreign nationalities (Seamen of Indian origin would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping) iii) Stranded EU nationals/residents, foreign nationals destined for Europe and transiting through France or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise
Who all can fly from India to Germany?
- Indian national who are permitted to fly abroad as per the guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry.
- Seamen of foreign nationalities (seamen of Indian origin would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.)
- Stranded EU nationals/residents, foreign nationals destined for Europe and transiting through Germany or spouses of these people whether accompanying or otherwise.
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Also Read – Air India To Operate Additional Flight From UK and India
