Indian government has signed an Air Bubble Agreement with Australia, under which all eligible passengers will be allowed to travel between the two countries.
What is Air Bubble mechanism?
• A bilateral air bubble is a temporary arrangement under which two countries resume flights with preconditions during Covid-19 pandemic.
• Total number of the countries with which India has air bubble arrangements now stands at 33.
How flights will operate under this mechanism?
Currently, India has suspended all the scheduled international flight operations at least till January 31, 2022. So, Under an air bubble agreement between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.
With what countries India has such agreement?
India has formed air bubble pacts with around 33 countries including Australia, the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France.
Background
India had suspended scheduled international flight operations from March 23, 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020 and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with selected countries since July 2020.
