International Flights and Air Travel from India: Latest COVID-19 Restrictions, Routes Explained - News18
3 years, 8 months ago

International Flights and Air Travel from India: Latest COVID-19 Restrictions, Routes Explained - News18

News 18  

As the second wave of COVID-19 hits the Indian shore, the cases have reached an all-time high, forcing various state governments to announce weekend and night lockdowns. While India did undertake the world’s largest repatriation drive under Mission Vande Bharat, simultaneously, our government also announced bilateral pacts with various countries to ease international travelling. An air bubble is a temporary arrangement between two countries to restart commercial flight services at a time when regular international flights are suspended due to COVID-19. Here’s the list: Afghanistan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Canada Ethiopia France Germany Iraq Japan Kenya Kuwait Maldives Nepal Netherlands Nigeria Oman Qatar Russia Rwanda Seychelles Tanzania Ukraine UAE United Kingdom United States Uzbekistan Q.IS TOURIST VISA APPLICABLE FOR FLIGHTS UNDER THE AIR CORRIDOR? Here’s a list: Hong Kong – While India doesn’t have an air bubble agreement with Hong Kong, many flights were operated as part of Mission Vande Bharat to repatriate stranded Indians.

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History of this topic

Why India is not keen on resuming direct flights to China
4 weeks ago

Why India is not keen on resuming direct flights to China

Live Mint  

For Indians looking to travel to the Middle Kingdom, a direct flight is still some distance. Despite cooling hostilities, the Indian security establishment is opposed to direct flights that remain suspended since 2020, two people aware of the matter said, given unresolved national security concerns. “Currently, our security establishment is not in favour of resumption of direct flights with China," …

India, China discuss resumption of flights
3 months, 1 week ago

India, China discuss resumption of flights

The Hindu  

A Chinese delegation on civil aviation met the Union Minister for Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu and discussed the resumption of flights between the two countries after a gap of more than four years. The conference was a two-day event, held on September 11 and 12, under the aegis of the UN’s aviation watchdog International Civil Aviation Organisation. “This morning, alongside …

India and China discuss resumption of direct passenger flights after 4 yrs
3 months, 1 week ago

India and China discuss resumption of direct passenger flights after 4 yrs

Business Standard  

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, revealed on Thursday that talks are underway to restore direct passenger flights between India and China. This morning, alongside Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam and other senior officials from my ministry, I… As the Chairman for the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, I have been utilising the platform to engage …

Direct flights benefit both economies
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Direct flights benefit both economies

China Daily  

An Air China plane takes off from Beijing Daxing International Airport. Indian trader Shranik Chopra said since China is an important destination for many businesspeople from India, there must be direct flight services for the benefit of people from both sides. Chopra, who takes part in the Canton Fair every year, said direct flight services would cut out the unnecessary …

India shuns China's calls to resume passenger flights after 4 years, officials say
6 months ago

India shuns China's calls to resume passenger flights after 4 years, officials say

The Hindu  

China is pressing India to restart direct passenger flights after a four-year halt, but New Delhi is resisting as a border dispute continues to weigh on ties between the world's two most populous countries, officials said. Direct flights would benefit both economies, but the stakes are higher for China, where a recovery in overseas travel after the COVID-19 pandemic is …

COVID-19 in India | What is the current scenario and how are we tackling it?
8 months, 1 week ago

COVID-19 in India | What is the current scenario and how are we tackling it?

The Hindu  

Story so far: During this poll season, mentions of the COVID-19 pandemic are still doing the rounds. History of COVID-19 lockdown As COVID-19 cases – which were first reported in China’s Wuhan province – began cropping up across the world, countries employed different approaches to deal with the rise in infections, deaths and threat due to the virus, employing varying …

Kongu Global Forum seeks re-entry of Air India Express in Coimbatore
10 months ago

Kongu Global Forum seeks re-entry of Air India Express in Coimbatore

The Hindu  

Kongu Global Forum, an association of industrial, business and trade leaders from Tamil Nadu’s western districts, has urged Air India Express to make a re-entry into Coimbatore, citing potential air traffic data. In a letter to Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh, KGF vice-chairperson Vanitha Mohan said that Coimbatore airport was one of the airports that could break the …

Covid-19: India reports 441 fresh JN.1 cases; active caseload declines to 3,238
11 months, 1 week ago

Covid-19: India reports 441 fresh JN.1 cases; active caseload declines to 3,238

Firstpost  

India has recorded 441 fresh COVID-19 infections while the number of active cases has come down to 3,238, the Union health ministry said on Saturday. The number of daily cases was in double digits till December 5 but it began to rise again amid cold weather conditions and after the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, JN.1.After December 5, the …

Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv amidst Israel-Hamas war
1 year, 2 months ago

Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv amidst Israel-Hamas war

Op India  

Amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine war following a massive terror attack on Israel by Hamas, Air India announced today that its flights to and from Israel will remain suspended till October 14 in view of the war-like situation in Israel. “Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 14th October 2023, for the safety of our passengers and …

Govt Eases Covid Guidelines for International Travellers
1 year, 5 months ago

Govt Eases Covid Guidelines for International Travellers

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: As Covid-19 cases continue to decline in the country, the Union health ministry has eased the guidelines for international visitors on Wednesday. The earlier requirement of RT-PCR testing for a random two per cent subset of international travelers has been dropped. Under the revised guidelines, all international travellers are advised to be fully vaccinated as per the approved …

Delhi to Mumbai Airfares Skyrocket, Surpassing Ticket Price to Dubai
1 year, 6 months ago

Delhi to Mumbai Airfares Skyrocket, Surpassing Ticket Price to Dubai

News 18  

In a surprising turn of events, airfares for the Delhi to Mumbai route have hit an all-time high, surpassing the rates for flights to Dubai. The Delhi to Mumbai airfare predicament serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the aviation industry, where prices can fluctuate rapidly based on market conditions and external factors. While the surge in airfares …

Which countries still have Covid travel restrictions?
1 year, 7 months ago

Which countries still have Covid travel restrictions?

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States will finally align with most major tourist nations by scrapping its remaining Covid …

China keen to restart direct flights to India
1 year, 8 months ago

China keen to restart direct flights to India

Live Mint  

China is keen to resume direct flights with India and negotiating on the matter in the next few months, according to people aware of the matter. China’s strict covid-19 travel restrictions also played an important role in closing off direct flights. We hope that direct flights between China and India will be resumed as soon as possible.” A query to …

New rules for flyers from 6 countries visiting India kicks in: 10 things to know
1 year, 10 months ago

New rules for flyers from 6 countries visiting India kicks in: 10 things to know

Live Mint  

From today, India is lifting the mandatory Covid-19 test for travellers arriving from/via China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand and Japan, as infections related to the virus have fallen sharply globally. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a letter to his counterpart in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Rajiv Bansal, said his ministry was updating its 'Guidelines for International Arrivals' …

New travel rules for international flyers visiting India from these 6 countries
1 year, 10 months ago

New travel rules for international flyers visiting India from these 6 countries

Live Mint  

International travellers who are planning to visit India, please be aware of the new rule. What is new travel rule for international flyers from 6 countries Travellers coming to India from China, 5 other countries will no longer be required to submit a pre-departure Covid test report and upload a self-health declaration on the 'Air Suvidha' portal from February 13. …

Hong Kong carriers forced to cancel 150 flights to Japan
1 year, 10 months ago

Hong Kong carriers forced to cancel 150 flights to Japan

Firstpost  

New Delhi: At least 150 flights will be cancelled from Hong Kong to Japan in the coming month as the country continues to impose limits on planes from the city. The Seoul notice, posted on the embassy’s WeChat social media account, said the ban would continue until South Korea lifts its “discriminatory entry measures” against China. A South Korean Foreign …

China Suspends Travel Visa For South Koreans Amid Protests Of COVID Curbs
1 year, 11 months ago

China Suspends Travel Visa For South Koreans Amid Protests Of COVID Curbs

ABP News  

The Chinese Embassy in Seoul on Tuesday announced the suspension of its short-term visa service for South Koreans in retaliation against the country's regulations travellers from the neighbouring country in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak. China Welcomes First Batch Of International Travellers After Scrapping Quarantine Norms For the first time in three years, China on Sunday opened its …

Centre Revises Covid-19 Guidelines For Passengers From High Risk Countries
1 year, 11 months ago

Centre Revises Covid-19 Guidelines For Passengers From High Risk Countries

News 18  

India on Monday issued revised guidelines for international air passengers arriving from identified high-risk countries including China, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Japan, mandating an RT-PCR test. “As per the revised guidelines, a mandatory requirement for pre-departure RT-PCR testing has been introduced for passengers in all international flights from these countries,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in …

Japan eases COVID curbs on flights from Hong Kong after backlash
1 year, 11 months ago

Japan eases COVID curbs on flights from Hong Kong after backlash

Al Jazeera  

Hong Kong travellers will be able to fly into three more Japanese airports than previously as measures eased. Japan has partially eased COVID-19 restrictions limiting flights from Hong Kong to a handful of designated airports following protests by the Chinese territory’s government. Japan, a popular destination for Hong Kong residents, will now allow travellers from the financial hub to fly …

India to make negative Covid test mandatory for passengers from China: Report
1 year, 11 months ago

India to make negative Covid test mandatory for passengers from China: Report

Live Mint  

The Indian government is likely to mandate a negative RT-PCR test for all passengers arriving from China, which is facing a massive surge in Covid cases, a person familiar with the matter told news agency PTI. The official said that filling up of 'air suvidha' forms and 72-hour prior RT-PCR testing may be made mandatory from next week for international …

COVID-19: Next 40 days 'crucial' as India may see surge in new cases in January
1 year, 11 months ago

COVID-19: Next 40 days 'crucial' as India may see surge in new cases in January

Firstpost  

“Previously, it has been noticed that a new wave of COVID-19 hits India around 30-35 days after it hits East Asia…. This has been a trend,” an official said New Delhi: The next 40 days are going to be crucial as India may see a surge in COVID-19 cases in January, official sources said on Wednesday citing the pattern of …

India's move to conduct random RT-PCR tests unlikely to disrupt travel plans of holidaymakers
1 year, 11 months ago

India's move to conduct random RT-PCR tests unlikely to disrupt travel plans of holidaymakers

The Hindu  

India's move to conduct RT-PCR test on a limited scale on passengers arriving from abroad has raised concerns among travellers but it's unlikely to have disruptive impact on the travel plans of most holidaymakers, including from the diaspora, the community members said on December 25, 2022. The Indian government on Saturday ramped up anti-COVID measures in the wake of a …

COVID-19: PM Modi urges Indians to be 'vigilant' amid rising cases in many countries
2 years ago

COVID-19: PM Modi urges Indians to be 'vigilant' amid rising cases in many countries

India TV News  

PM Modi on COVID-19 cases : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged people to be vigilant and take proper precautions against COVID-19 pandemic, as he noted that the coronavirus is spreading in many countries including-China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and United States. In his last 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast of the year 2022, PM Modi said that many people are …

Explained | What is the threat from global COVID-19 rise?
2 years ago

Explained | What is the threat from global COVID-19 rise?

The Hindu  

The story so far: The Union Ministry of Health has issued a communique to States to resume genome sequencing of new cases of COVID-19, in view of the sudden spurt of cases in some parts of the world. In a letter, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said sequencing of positive case samples will allow the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium network …

Indians have hybrid immunity against BF.7, travel ban not effective: Dr Guleria
2 years ago

Indians have hybrid immunity against BF.7, travel ban not effective: Dr Guleria

Hindustan Times  

Unlike China, India is safe from another wave of the Covid pandemic because of the hybrid immunity of the population, former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria said amid apprehension triggered by China's unprecedented surge. As India on Saturday made RT-PCR test mandatory for passengers coming from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand, Dr Guleria said India's situation is comfortable …

Random COVID-19 testing of international passengers begins at Delhi airport
2 years ago

Random COVID-19 testing of international passengers begins at Delhi airport

The Hindu  

The random coronavirus testing of international arriving passengers started at Delhi airport on Saturday as the authorities step up measures to prevent possible spread of the infection in the country. Two percent of passengers arriving in each international flight will be subject to random coronavirus testing at airports from Saturday. The testing of the international arriving passengers started in the …

India makes negative COVID test mandatory for five countries
2 years ago

India makes negative COVID test mandatory for five countries

Al Jazeera  

Travellers arriving from countries, including China, will have to show a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. India has mandated a COVID-19 negative test report for travellers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand, the federal health minister said. Passengers from those countries would be put under quarantine if they showed symptoms of COVID-19 or tested …

Airports to randomly test 2%international flyers for Covid-19
2 years ago

Airports to randomly test 2%international flyers for Covid-19

Hindustan Times  

India has begun randomly testing 2% of international travellers coming to the country for Covid-19 and could consider making it mandatory for all if required, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya told Parliament on Thursday, as several countries, particularly China, reported a spike in cases. Later on Thursday, officials disclosed a letter sent by Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan to civil …

Covid: 71% Indians want all flights from China to be shut down, finds survey
2 years ago

Covid: 71% Indians want all flights from China to be shut down, finds survey

Live Mint  

As Covid cases surge in China, a recent survey showed that 71% citizens feel that India should shut down flights from China. The survey asked citizens, “COVID led by new variants like BF.7 is rapidly rising in China in regard to both infections spreading and mortalities. There were 16% respondents who said “It should only suspend flights from China and …

India on alert for new variants as Covid wave sweeps China
2 years ago

India on alert for new variants as Covid wave sweeps China

CNN  

New Delhi CNN — India’s health minister has advised the public to take precautions against Covid-19, including getting vaccinated and wearing masks, as the country remains on alert for potential new variants that could emerge from the wave of infections sweeping neighboring China. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday told Parliament that India would begin randomly testing 2% of international …

Covid-19: IMA advises citizens to avoid public gatherings, international travel amid global surge in cases
2 years ago

Covid-19: IMA advises citizens to avoid public gatherings, international travel amid global surge in cases

India TV News  

Covid-19: Amid a rise in Covid cases in China and several other countries, the Indian Medical Association, on Thursday, advised citizens to avoid public gatherings such as marriages, and political or social meetings. In an advisory, the IMA also appealed to people to take Covid-19 vaccines, including the precaution dose, and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour such as using masks in public …

COVID-19 | India to conduct random screening at airports for international passengers arriving from China, other countries: Government sources
2 years ago

COVID-19 | India to conduct random screening at airports for international passengers arriving from China, other countries: Government sources

The Hindu  

COVID was back at the centre of India’s health and political map on December 21 with the government advising people to get vaccinated and mask up, and saying random sample testing will be conducted at airports for passengers arriving from China and other countries. As a political storm brewed with Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya writing to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi …

COVID-19: DGCA asks airlines to strictly enforce protocol amid rise in cases
2 years, 4 months ago

COVID-19: DGCA asks airlines to strictly enforce protocol amid rise in cases

Firstpost  

Directorate General of Civil Aviation said it will be conducting “random checks” in aircraft across the country to see if the COVID-19 protocol is being enforced or not New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday asked all Indian carriers to strictly enforce COVID-19 protocol, including mask mandate for passengers, in aircraft amid a rise in infections across the country. In …

COVID-19, arguably, has become endemic in India
2 years, 4 months ago

COVID-19, arguably, has become endemic in India

The Hindu  

The infectious disease ‘outbreaks’ or ‘epidemics’ or ‘pandemics’ share a fate — there is a day when the majority of them run their course and fade away. Much opinion After the third wave in January 2022, India saw the lowest number of daily new COVID-19 cases in March and April this year. In fact, in the last two months every …

Travelling to India from abroad? Govt mulls doing away with this rule
2 years, 4 months ago

Travelling to India from abroad? Govt mulls doing away with this rule

Live Mint  

So all those planning to travel to India from abroad, please be informed about the changes in the new rule which the government is actively considering. As of now, passengers are required to upload their Covid-19 vaccine certificate or RT-PCR negative report on the Air Suvidha portal before coming to India. "The Civil Aviation Ministry recently sought inputs from the …

Hong Kong lifts flight ban citing ‘little effect’ on COVID
2 years, 5 months ago

Hong Kong lifts flight ban citing ‘little effect’ on COVID

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong announced Thursday it is shelving a COVID-19 measure that has resulted in dozens of canceled flights in recent months and thwarted travel plans for thousands. “The new measure is a decision made by the government after careful review of relevant data and taking into account the current peak period for international students returning to Hong …

China opens up air travel after 2-year Covid ban, flight services to India still in limbo
2 years, 5 months ago

China opens up air travel after 2-year Covid ban, flight services to India still in limbo

India Today  

China has started permitting international flights after a two-year ban due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no word yet on the resumption of air services to India, even after Beijing lifted a visa ban for Indian professionals and their families last month. China has made one of its most substantial adjustments since the COVID-19 pandemic, as its embassies …

Air travel picks up in India; curbs and border measures hold back recovery of Asia Pacific tourism industry
2 years, 6 months ago

Air travel picks up in India; curbs and border measures hold back recovery of Asia Pacific tourism industry

Firstpost  

With respect to reopening the skies to travel, India is ahead of Asia-Pacific countries. The difference is glaring when compared to China and Japan, two large Asian domestic markets Singapore: The International Air Transport Association believes that lingering travel restrictions and border measures are holding back the recovery of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. It also said that …

India suspends tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals
2 years, 8 months ago

India suspends tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals

Firstpost  

In a circular, the International Air Transport Association said that tourist visas issued to nationals of China are no longer valid India has suspended tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals, global airlines body IATA told its member carriers on April 20. India has been raising with China the plight of approximately 22,000 Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities who are …

India's Domestic Air Passenger Traffic in March Shows 36 Pct Year-on-Year Growth From 2021
2 years, 8 months ago

India's Domestic Air Passenger Traffic in March Shows 36 Pct Year-on-Year Growth From 2021

News 18  

Lower base effect as well as easing Covid travel restrictions accelerated India’s domestic air passenger traffic growth by over 36 per cent in March on a year-on-year basis. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the country’s scheduled domestic flight operations ferried 1.06 crore passengers last month. “Passengers carried by domestic airlines during January-March 2022 were 248 lakh as …

US eases COVID travel advisory for India from 'Level 3' to 'Level 1'
2 years, 8 months ago

US eases COVID travel advisory for India from 'Level 3' to 'Level 1'

India TV News  

Highlights The advisory was issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Your risk of contracting COVID-19 may be lower if you are fully vaccinated, the advisory stated Make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, it further stated The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday eased its COVID-19 travel …

India to resume international flights from today after gap of 2 years
2 years, 8 months ago

India to resume international flights from today after gap of 2 years

India Today  

India is set to resume scheduled international flights on Sunday after a gap of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. The new rules announced by the ministry of civil aviation states that cabin crew members will no longer be required to wear personal protective equipment kits. According to a report by News18, airlines are directed to leave three seats …

India resumes international flights after two-year gap: 10 points
2 years, 8 months ago

India resumes international flights after two-year gap: 10 points

Hindustan Times  

India is set to resume international flights on Sunday after a gap of two years. A total of 60 foreign airlines of 40 countries have been given the approval to operate 1783 flights to and from India during Summer Schedule 2022, news agency ANI reported citing aviation regulator DGCA. "Airlines may carry a few additional PPE protective gears, sanitiser and …

International flights to resume tomorrow; govt considers COVID-19 booster dose for Indians travelling overseas
2 years, 8 months ago

International flights to resume tomorrow; govt considers COVID-19 booster dose for Indians travelling overseas

Firstpost  

With the restoration of normalcy, security personnel at airports are allowed to resume pat-down search of passengers, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation The scheduled international passenger flights are all set to resume from Sunday, after more than two years of COVID-19 infused ban on air travel. According to a report in Hindustan Times, “The Centre has announced several …

Centre eases Covid rules as int'l flights resume tomorrow. Details here
2 years, 8 months ago

Centre eases Covid rules as int'l flights resume tomorrow. Details here

Hindustan Times  

The scheduled international passenger flights are all set to resume from Sunday, after more than two years of pandemic-infused ban on air travel in and out of the country. Commercial international flights set to resume from March 27 According to the new rules by the ministry of civil aviation, cabin crew members are no longer needed to wear personal protective …

Hong Kong to Lift Flight Ban on India from April, Cut Quarantine for Arrivals
2 years, 9 months ago

Hong Kong to Lift Flight Ban on India from April, Cut Quarantine for Arrivals

News 18  

Hong Kong has said that the city would lift flight bans on countries including Britain and the U.S., as well as reduce quarantine time for travellers arriving in the city as coronavirus infections in its latest outbreak plateaus. A flight ban on most of these countries has been in place since January, as authorities sought to stem the outbreak of …

Hong Kong to lift ban on flights from 9 nations including India as Covid-19 cases plateau
2 years, 9 months ago

Hong Kong to lift ban on flights from 9 nations including India as Covid-19 cases plateau

India Today  

Hong Kong's leader Monday said that the city would lift flight bans on countries including Britain and the US, as well as reduce quarantine time for travellers arriving in the city as coronavirus infections in its latest outbreak plateaus. The city's chief executive Carrie Lam announced during a press conference Monday that a ban on flights from nine countries — …

From April, Vaccinated Indians Flying to Canada Will Not Require Pre-Arrival Covid-19 Test
2 years, 9 months ago

From April, Vaccinated Indians Flying to Canada Will Not Require Pre-Arrival Covid-19 Test

News 18  

Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced that fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need pre-arrival Covid-19 testing to enter the country from April 1. Prior to this, the DGCA had announced the extension of the ban on international flights till February 28. the latest order of suspension of flights continues the scheduled international passenger flight ban which has been in …

India steps up vigil as Covid infections increase globally
2 years, 9 months ago

India steps up vigil as Covid infections increase globally

Hindustan Times  

All patients admitted to district hospitals across India for respiratory ailments will have to undergo testing for Covid-19 and the samples that return positive will then be sent for genome sequencing as part of India’s efforts to heighten its surveillance amid a global surge in infections, people familiar with the matter said. All respiratory cases undergoing treatment in district hospitals, …

International Flight Ticket Prices Could Fall by 50 Percent as India Lifts Travel Ban
2 years, 9 months ago

International Flight Ticket Prices Could Fall by 50 Percent as India Lifts Travel Ban

News 18  

There’s good news for anyone looking to travel abroad. This is bound to happen since the government had recently announced the lifting of the ban on international commercial flights after almost two years. Homegrown airline Indigo is expected to resume over 100 international flights, while international carriers like Singapore Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines is also set to increase …

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