International flights operations resume in India after a hiatus of two years due to the pandemic.
Hop on the Plane: International Flights Resume in Delhi After a Two-Year Pause
After the COVID-19 pandemic forced a two-year hiatus, normal scheduled international flights are finally back in the air in India. During the absence, international flights had been operating under an "air bubble" agreement with various countries.
Jump Aboard: 1783 Weekly Departures
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given the green light for 1783 departures per week between India and the rest of the globe. More than 60 international airlines from 40 countries, including Salam Air, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Qantas, American Airlines, and many more, will operate these flights. This approval for regular international commercial air travel is part of the summer schedule, running until October 29. The list of countries includes Mauritius, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America, Iraq, Kenya, Bangladesh, Germany, Singapore, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Maldives, Nepal, Iran, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Kuwait, Tanzania, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Rwanda, Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, Qatar, Ethiopia, Oman, Seychelles, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, Canada, and Finland.
Pack Your Bags: Relaxed COVID-19 Norms
The government has also eased several COVID-19 restrictions at airports and on flights. Security personnel at airports will once again be authorized to perform personal pat-down searches on passengers. Cabin crew members will no longer be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) kits. Airlines have to keep three seats vacant for medical emergencies and to maintain smooth air operations. However, wearing protective face masks and maintaining hand hygiene/sanitizer is still mandated at airports and on flights.
Buckle Up: Potential Airfare Drop
The resumption of regular flights may provide some relief to customers in terms of airfares during the summer vacation season. However, industry experts urge caution when predicting airfare reductions. The ongoing global crisis (the Ukraine War) has resulted in a significant increase in oil prices, which may offset any potential airfare decreases.
As of March 23, 2020, when India suspended scheduled international air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, special international flights between India and nearly 40 other countries have been running under air bubble agreements since July 2020.
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After the resumption of regular international flights, travelers might consider scheduling their lifetime adventures, as they embark on a journey to explore the vast array of cultures and landscapes that their chosen destinations offer, transforming their lifestyle by embracing the thrill and excitement of exploring new horizons.
Furthermore, the ease of COVID-19 norms set in motion by the government encourages confusion-free travel and allows travelers to venture abroad with greater confidence, opening up endless opportunities for travel enthusiasts to indulge in their passion for exploration and adventure.
