Air Bubble Agreement Between India and Canada: A Win-Win Situation during the Pandemic

The unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a complete halt in international travel, leading to havoc in the aviation industry. However, “Air Bubble Agreements” have come to rescue during these uncertain times. Recently, India and Canada signed an air bubble agreement, allowing airlines from both countries to operate international flights.

What is Air Bubble Agreement?

An Air Bubble Agreement is a bilateral arrangement between two countries, allowing airlines from both countries to operate international flights with certain restrictions. This agreement is signed by the Civil Aviation Authorities of two countries, deciding the number of flights, cities, and protocols to be followed during the flight.

India`s Air Bubble Agreement with Canada:

India has entered into Air Bubble Agreements with multiple countries, including the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The recent addition to this list is Canada, which has allowed Air India to operate its flights from New Delhi to Toronto, while Air Canada can operate its flights from Toronto to Delhi.

The agreement allows flights to operate with certain restrictions, including limiting the number of flights per week, mandating a COVID-19 test before boarding, and checking the health status of passengers before departing.

Benefits of Air Bubble Agreement:

The Air Bubble Agreement between India and Canada is a win-win situation for both countries, benefiting not only the airlines but also the passengers.

For Passengers:

The agreement has allowed stranded citizens of both countries to return home, and they no longer have to wait for the regular commercial flight to resume. Additionally, the airfare prices, which had skyrocketed during the pandemic, have reduced due to the competition between airlines.

For Airlines:

The Air Bubble Agreement has brought a sigh of relief for the aviation industry, which is one of the worst-hit sectors globally due to the pandemic. The agreement has allowed airlines to resume international operations, which were completely halted due to travel restrictions and lockdowns across the world.

Conclusion:

The Air Bubble Agreement between India and Canada is an excellent initiative during these unprecedented times. The agreement has allowed stranded citizens to return home, reduced airfare prices, and benefited the aviation industry. Such agreements not only help in resuming international travel but also create opportunities for both countries to strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties.