Updated: October 1, 2020 12:49:51 pm
Planes parked at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. (Photo Express: Partha Paul, File)
Following the Unlock Guidelines 5.0 issued by the Interior Ministry, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the ban on regular international commercial flights until October 31. However, there are several countries to which flights are operated and Indian citizens can take flights.
Why has the DGCA expanded the ban on international flights?
The Unlock 5.0 guidelines have not allowed international flights to resume so far and the DGCA’s decision is in line with the Home Office regulations. The government has also said on previous occasions that the relaxation of international flights will depend on how the virus behaves and how cases are recorded in India and in destination countries. With this in mind, scheduled international flights have been further suspended.
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What are the options for those who want to fly abroad?
India has established air bubble arrangements with 15 countries. These are the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Nigeria, Maldives, Kenya, Japan, Iraq, Germany, France, Bhutan, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. The airlines of both countries under an air bubble arrangement fly between the two jurisdictions carrying passengers from both points.
In addition to this, Indian carriers also operate certain flights under the Vande Bharat Mission, some of which carry people on outbound flights from India. Under the air bubble deal with the US, Air India has added flights three times a week between Delhi and Newark. The airline also operates flights between London and Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Goa.
Read also | Unlock 5.0 Explained: What are the rules for cinemas, schools and social gatherings?
Are visas issued for these international destinations?
According to the visa outsourcing company VFS Global, visa applications for 25 countries have resumed and some countries have opened the application process for certain categories. For example, most countries in the Schengen region of Europe only accept Category D visa applications, which are granted to people who study, work or permanently reside in one of the Schengen countries. Certain countries in the Schengen region such as Germany and Estonia also allow category C visas, which are intended for short visits.
Similarly, the US is accepting applications for emergency visa, student visas, class ‘H’ and ‘L’ work visas, etc. Also, some countries like UK, UAE, Turkey, Dominican Republic are accepting applications for everyone. Visa categories, those like South Korea and Ireland only accept long-term visa applications.
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