Some nations restricting entry of Indians despite air bubbles: Aviation minister

Even though India has formed air bubbles with certain countries and is operating international flights under the Vande Bharat Mission, some countries like Saudi Arabia have still not lifted restrictions on the entry of Indians, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday (November 3).

Puri, however, said the central government is ready to fly Indian nationals to these countries as soon as they lift the restrictions.

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“We are operating international flighst under VBM (Vande Bharat Mission) since May 6, 2020. However, some countries, including some in the Gulf region, have still not removed restrictions on the entry of Indian nationals,” Puri tweeted.

Puri, on October 22 had said that the average fares on special flights operating between Kerala and Bahrain are between ₹30,000 and ₹39,000 as the country allows only 750 Indian passengers per week.

While scheduled international flights have been suspended since March 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has been operating special flights under the Vande Bharat Mission since May and others under air bubble deals with several countries since July.

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