International Commercial Flights In India Likely To Resume Mid-August With These New Guidelines

The Aviation Ministry is likely to issue a new set of guidelines for foreign travellers amid the possibility of resumption of international flights by mid-August. By Tanvi Jain

 

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The Government has reportedly finalised new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for international flights, which are likely to reopen around August or September. Earlier they were scheduled to start operations in July but keeping into consideration the rising cases of COVID-19, the Aviation Ministry had extended the suspension till July 31. However, things aren’t better even now, and while the Centre is looking for ways to unlock more and more, many states are re-imposing curbs to fight the pandemic. 

As per reports, the Centre is likely to make an announcement later today, regarding the possible reopening of international commercial passenger flights by mid–August, with new rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for foreign travellers. 

 

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Possible key highlights of the new SOPs for foreign travellers: 

1. There might be age restrictions which will not allow senior citizens to board an international flight initially.
2. Passengers flying back to India will have to show a negative COVID-19 test report not more than two or three days old.
3. Upon arrival to the country, foreign travellers will also have to take a paid antigen test and wait for the result before being allowed clearance to go ahead with their trip.
4. They will have to pay for their quarantine as well, just in case they are tested positive at the airport. 

 

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“We can start regular international flights when our domestic traffic reaches about 50-60% & other countries open up to international traffic without present conditionalities. Once the situation evolves in that direction, we will consider a calibrated opening,” Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had tweeted last month.  

The Government of India is already in talks with of US, UK, France and Germany to create bilateral bubbles in order to reopen flights on select routes, and has already initiated the same with the UAE.  

Moreover, joining Air India in the Vande Bharat Mission, private airlines such as IndiGo, GoAir, Air Arabia, Emirates and Etihad, have also started repatriation flights to and from India. 

Related: When Can You Start Flying Again? Aviation Minister Sheds Light