India has suspended the operation of scheduled international flights till March-end. India has expanded its air bubbles to 27 countries, and flights under that arrangement will continue to operate. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued an order notifying the suspension of scheduled international flights till March 31, 2021.
India Has Air Bubble Arrangement With 27 Countries Now
Flights under the air bubble arrangement will continue to operate. At present, India has air bubble arrangement with 27 countries including Japan, Oman, Bangladesh, Seychelles, Afghanistan, NigeriaBhutan, Bahrain, the USA, Ethiopia, Canada, Germany, Tanzania, France, Iraq, Kuwait, Kenya, Nepal, Maldives, the Netherlands, Rwanda, Qatar, Ukraine, the UAE, Uzbekistan and the UK.
Visa On Arrival Still Applicable In The Maldives
Visa on arrival is still applicable for tourists visiting the Maldives. Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister for External Affairs, announced on Twitter that this air bubble will boost “people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
India will fund the implementation of Greater Male Connectivity Project through a $400 mn LOC & $100 mn grant. This 6.7 km bridge project connecting Male with Gulhifalhu Port & Thilafushi industrial zone will help revitalise and transform Maldivian economy. pic.twitter.com/OFClBpVY7l
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) August 13, 2020
Guidelines For Those Travelling To The Maldives
It is important to check the rules issued by every country before planning to travel there. Here are a few guidelines for those travelling to the Maldives:
Travellers are required to have a confirmed booking at a registered hotel.- They also need to submit a Health Declaration Form at least 24 hours before their departure.
- Everyone arriving to the Maldives must undergo a basic thermal screening. PCR test on arrival is voluntary.
- Tourists are also required to follow public health measures like mask wearing and social distancing.
- Travellers who don’t display Covid-19 symptoms are exempt from quarantine on arrival.
India’s Air Bubbles In August
So far, India has established air bubbles with various countries like Germany, UK, France, the US and Canada. Flights operating under these air bubbles have mostly been repatriation or cargo flights. But now, the government has announced that Indians can travel to select countries for tourism with which the country shares an air bubble. Also, flights are apparently one of the safest ways to travel during the pandemic.
Make sure you read up all the rules and regulations before planning your travel, and obey public health norms wherever you go. Safe travels!