Updated: October 29, 2020 3:43:07 pm
A passenger flight lands at Dum Dum Airport, Kolkata. File / Express Photo of Partha Paul
India has extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights until November 30. While this has been done in line with the extension of last month’s unlocking guidelines, it means that those who want to travel to India from abroad or vice versa will have to rely on repatriation flights under the Vande Bharat Mission, or the arrangements. of air bubbles that India enters with other countries.
Why has India extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights?
The government has stated that the resumption of regular international operations will depend on the nature of the Coronavirus, something that will decide the acceptability of India in other jurisdictions. Since there is still a threat of transmission through international travel, scheduled flight operations are not getting the green light. With the government’s extension of unlocking guidelines, international flight operations have also remained suspended.
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What is the way forward for international flights?
Currently, those who want to travel internationally will have to rely on the air bubble agreements that India enters into. So far, India has entered into transport corridor or air bubble agreements with 19 countries. These are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bhutan, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and United States. Additionally, Vande Bharat flights are being operated to various countries. Industry sources have alluded that, given the nature of the pandemic, it seems likely that regular business operations in international sectors could remain suspended until March 2021.
What is the impact of the suspension of international flights?
On Thursday, aviation consultancy CAPA India revised its forecast for the number of international airline passengers for the 2020-21 financial year. He said that as a result of the delay in resuming scheduled international flights, 8-10 million passengers are expected to fly internationally, compared to his previous estimate of 10-15 million. The consultancy said in its report that although foreign business travelers and OCI holders can once again enter the country, India remains closed to leisure visitors, VFR travelers (visiting friends and family) (unless are NRI or have OCI) and medical tourists. . “Only 60% of pre-COVID traffic is allowed to enter the country from a border control perspective. Of which the majority are expected to postpone travel given the risks and inconveniences associated with international travel today, ”he said.
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