India Air Bubble Agreement with US: All You Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the aviation industry. With travel restrictions in place, airlines around the world have been struggling to keep their operations afloat. To ease the situation, many countries have entered into Air Bubble agreements with each other, allowing airlines to operate flights between the two countries. Recently, India and the US have signed an Air Bubble agreement, which has generated a lot of buzz. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at the India Air Bubble Agreement with the US and what it means for travelers.
What is an Air Bubble Agreement?
An Air Bubble agreement is a temporary arrangement between two countries that allows airlines to operate international flights with a set number of passengers, subject to certain conditions. The agreement is designed to facilitate travel between two countries while keeping the risk of COVID-19 transmission in check. The arrangement is generally made between two countries with low COVID-19 infection rates and strict safety protocols in place.
India-US Air Bubble Agreement
On July 23, 2021, India and the US signed an Air Bubble agreement, allowing airlines from both countries to operate special international flights. The agreement is expected to provide relief to Indian nationals stranded in the US and vice versa, as well as facilitate business and leisure travel between the two countries.
Conditions for Travelers
Traveling under the Air Bubble agreement comes with certain conditions that travelers must comply with. Here are some of the key conditions:
1. Vaccination: Travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only those who have completed their vaccination schedule and have a valid certificate will be allowed to travel.
2. COVID-19 test: All travelers must carry a negative RT-PCR test report taken within 72 hours of departure.
3. Quarantine: Travelers may be required to quarantine upon arrival at their destination, subject to local regulations.
4. Health declaration: Travelers must fill out a health declaration form before boarding the flight.
5. Visa and other requirements: Travelers must comply with all visa and other requirements specified by the destination country.
It`s important to note that the conditions may vary depending on the destination country and can change at short notice.
Which Airlines Are Operating Under the India-US Air Bubble Agreement?
As of now, Air India and United Airlines are the only two airlines authorized to operate flights under the India-US Air Bubble agreement. The airlines are offering flights from major airports in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, to destinations in the US, such as New York, Newark, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Conclusion
The India-US Air Bubble agreement is a welcome relief for travelers who have been stranded due to travel restrictions. However, it`s important to follow all the conditions specified under the agreement to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey. As the situation with COVID-19 is still evolving, it`s essential to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines. Happy travels!