India-US Air Bubble Agreement: What it means for air travel amidst the pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the global aviation industry, with airlines struggling to stay afloat amidst travel restrictions and reduced passenger demand. In an effort to revive the airline sector, several countries have signed air bubble agreements to allow limited air travel between them. One such agreement is the India-US air bubble agreement, which was signed on July 23, 2020.
What is an air bubble agreement?
An air bubble agreement is a temporary agreement between two countries to allow limited international passenger flights to operate between them. The agreement is designed to facilitate essential travel during the pandemic, such as for business, employment, and medical emergencies. The agreement specifies the number of flights that can operate between the countries, the airports where they can operate, and the protocols to be followed for the safety of passengers and crew.
India-US air bubble agreement:
Under the India-US air bubble agreement, Air India and United Airlines are allowed to operate a specified number of flights between the two countries. According to the agreement, Air India can operate 180 flights per month between Delhi, Mumbai, and New York, Newark, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington DC. United Airlines can operate 18 flights per week between Delhi and Newark.
The agreement specifies that all passengers traveling between India and the US must undergo RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 within 72 hours of their departure. Passengers must also undergo thermal screening before boarding their flight and upon arrival at their destination. They are also required to fill out a self-declaration form and comply with the quarantine requirements of their destination country.
What it means for air travel:
The India-US air bubble agreement has provided some relief to the aviation industry and passengers who have been stranded due to travel restrictions. The agreement allows for the resumption of air travel between the two countries, which is essential for business and employment purposes. It will also enable students to travel to the US for their education, as several universities have announced plans to reopen campuses for the fall semester.
However, the number of flights allowed under the agreement is limited and subject to review. The agreement may be extended or modified based on the evolving situation of the pandemic. It is also important to note that passengers traveling under the air bubble agreement are required to comply with strict protocols for their safety and the safety of others.
Conclusion:
The India-US air bubble agreement is a significant step towards the revival of the global aviation industry amidst the pandemic. The agreement allows for the resumption of air travel between the two countries for essential purposes while maintaining strict protocols for the safety of passengers and crew. While the agreement provides some relief to the aviation industry and passengers, it is important to remain vigilant and comply with the guidelines to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.