International Flights Resumption Date:Union civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said air bubbles with some foreign countries have already been completed, while some others are at an advanced stage. “Unless the international civil aviation space reclaims its pre-COVID space, air bubbles are the only answer to restart international flights,” the minister said in a press conference on Thursday.Also Read –International Flights Pact Between India, UAE: Charter Flights Without Permission Still Coming to India, Says DGCA
Air bubbles are agreements between two specific countries agreeing to allow each other’s flights under specific terms and conditions.Also Read –Will International Flights Resume Operation From August? Centre Likely to Make Major Announcement Today
“We will carry as many people as we can through these air bubbles. But it will not be as it was before COVID. There will be some checks and balances as the foreign countries are also imposing restrictions. So even if you have a visa and all, special permissions will be required,” the minister said.Also Read –Air India Plans to Send Some Employees on Compulsory Leave For up to 5 Years Without Pay
International flight services will be resumed with limited scope, the minister said.
The issue of air bubbles came to the discussion last month when the US, the UK, the UAE raised objection to Air India’s monopolisation over international flights as far as India is considered. Only Air India was allowed to function under Vande Bharat Mission. However, in the ongoing phase of the mission, several private airlines pitched in.
