Air bubbles in place, Indians can now fly to these 13 countries

The Indian government has added more destinations to its list of countries where Indians can fly to amid the restrictions imposed in view of the pandemic, totalling to 13 countries. The government is finalising such travel arrangements with more countries.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri made the announcement in a tweet on Friday (September 18). These 13 countries are Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, UAE, UK, and US, according to the ministry’s website.

In his tweet, Puri said that air bubbles are in place with 13 countries and others are being finalised.

“In addition to existing countries, people can also fly between India & Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Maldives, Nigeria & Qatar. Carriers of India & these countries will operate,” his tweet read.

Air transport bubbles are temporary arrangements between two nations aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended due to the pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, which means airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

India had suspended international flights in March while imposing a nationwide lockdown in view of the pandemic. Only repatriating flights were allowed during lockdowns. Air bubbles were the only way through which international flights resumed since August.

Related news: India negotiating air bubbles for international flights with 18 countries: Puri