India announces 'Air Bubbles' with US, France; flights to operate from tomorrow
New Delhi/IBNS: India has signed bilateral agreements with the United States and France to allow airlines of each country to operate international flights starting Friday, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference, Puri said, "Till international civil aviation can reclaim its pre-COVID numbers, I think the answer lies in bilateral air bubbles which will carry a possible number of people but under defined conditions as countries are still imposing entry restrictions including India."
The minister said that similar arrangements are also being worked out with other countries too like Germany and the UK.
He informed that American carrier United Airlines will be flying 18 flights between India and the US from July 17-31.
Meanwhile, Air France will be operating 28 flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Paris from July 18 to August 1, Puri said.
"Now we have many demands for air bubbles, but we need to be careful. We should permit that many only that we can handle," the minister cautioned.
From the Indian side, Air India will shoulder the onus of operating flights to France and the US under these bubbles.
The announcement comes weeks after the US threatened to take action by accusing India of indulging in "unfair and discriminatory practices" in operating "Vande Bharat Mission" flights to bring back Indians from other countries.
International flights have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The domestic flights resumed services since May 25 after remaining inoperative for two months.
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