Unlock 2.0 Guidelines – International Travel to start soon
Given the turbulence caused due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it has been difficult not only for the aviation industry to navigate the challenges but also wanderlusters like us who had or are making plans for domestic and international travels. We are all in the dark about when these plans can be put into action.
There are speculations that future flight plan for the airlines will be influenced to a great extent by factors such as avoiding countries that have been virus epicenters and gauging government responses on the type and duration of travel restrictions and the conditions under which they might be relaxed.
To clear out any confusion, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a circular detailing fresh guidelines. This comes after a three month long government-imposed regulations since March 22, 2020.
DGCA and MOCA on International flights
Modifying its June 26 circular that stated that scheduled international passenger flights will remain suspended till July 15, 2020, the regulator stated on Friday 3rd July, it has decided to extend the deadline to July 31, 2020.
The DGCA mentioned that after much deliberation on the concerned topic, concerned authorities decided to extend the suspension of scheduled International commercial passenger services till in the country till 31st July. Although, the current restrictions will not apply to international cargo operations and flights that are a part of the Vande Bharat Mission, which allowed Air India and other private domestic airlines to rescue stranded Indians in different countries.
According to reports from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, stated that the Centre would decide after other countries relax restrictions on International passengers and allow inbound flights.
On 23rd June MOCA said India is considering establishing “individual bilateral bubble” with the US, the UK, Germany and France- “As we contemplate further opening in response to demands, we are looking at the prospect of establishing individual bilateral bubbles, India-US, India-France, India-Germany, India-UK. These are all the destinations where demand for travel has not diminished. Final decisions pursuant to the negotiations are expected to be taken soon.”
What is a travel bubble?
Creating a travel bubble involves reconnecting countries or states that have shown a good level of success in containing the novel coronavirus pandemic domestically. Such a bubble would allow the members of the group to rekindle trade ties with each other, and kickstart sectors such as travel and tourism.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Arvind Singh said that the MOCA official has informed him the discussion with the countries is at a ‘very advanced’ level and main effort is to restart international flights at the earliest.
India resumes domestic aviation operations
On the domestic front, aviation operations which were initially suspended from March 24 due to the pandemic, have resumed from May 25 with certain guidelines including a 7-14 day quarantine on arrival to ensure the safety of travellers and curb this public health crisis. The regulations defer from state-to-state.
For Indian travellers to fly abroad, a lot will depend on the trajectory of the pandemic in the country, and on how regulators — DGCA as well as international regulators — certify the opening of their flight operations to or from India in the coming months from time to time.
As we wait for international borders to open, we shall take this time to suffice our travel urge by exploring our own country. Discover the offbeat places in India, away from the touristy crowd that will help you maintain social distancing naturally. Start planning now!
