India and Dubai share a historic bond of pure business and tourism relations. Among these, air travels play an essential role in connecting people and enhancing the economic lifeblood of the countries. As of late, the outbreak of the pandemic put a halt to air traffic worldwide and created an unprecedented challenge for people who rely on international flights. However, travel enthusiasts and business people must have sighed with relief on hearing the news that India is allowing flights from Dubai.
These past few months have been stressful for everyone over the constant uncertainty and ever-changing travel restrictions. While many countries have opened their borders and resumed air traveling, India has been cautiously guarded due to the severity of the pandemic. Nonetheless, the Indian government is taking steps to revive the aviation industry and allowing the necessary international flights to operate for essential and non-essential travel. The restoration of flights from Dubai to India comes as a beacon of hope for those anticipating a long-awaited reunion with their loved ones or to fulfill their business needs.
India’s decision to restore flights from Dubai is significant for the aviation industry, considering the growing significance of the route. Dubai is an important connecting point to destinations worldwide, so many expatriates stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can now breathe a sigh of relief. Moreover, it has also opened doors for trade opportunities, furthering economic growth and cooperation. Despite the new regulation requiring passengers to take Covid-19 tests before boarding their flights from Dubai, there is no doubt that the newly resumed flights have boosted overall morale and economic activity.
Current status of travel restrictions in India
India, like many other countries, has implemented travel restrictions in response to COVID-19. As of May 2021, here are the current travel restrictions in India:
- International flights are allowed on a limited basis, with specific rules and exemptions in place.
- Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure.
- Passengers must also fill out a self-declaration form before travel.
- Passengers arriving from the United Kingdom, Brazil, and South Africa must undergo additional screening and quarantine measures.
- Domestic travel is generally allowed, but some states have their own restrictions in place.
Rules for international arrivals in India
India currently has a system of air bubbles in place where they have formed agreements with certain countries to allow for limited international travel. Dubai is one such country with which India has an air bubble agreement in place.
Here are some of the rules that apply to international arrivals in India:
- All passengers, including those who have been vaccinated, must provide a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test report taken within 72 hours before departure.
- Passengers must also submit a self-declaration form through the Air Suvidha portal before departure.
- Upon arrival in India, passengers must undergo thermal screening and medical check-ups. If a passenger is found symptomatic, they will be isolated and tested for COVID-19.
- Quarantine rules vary depending on the state the passenger travels to, with some granting exemptions for vaccinated passengers.
Restrictions for domestic travel in India
India’s domestic travel restrictions have eased up since the initial lockdown in 2020, but some states still have their own restrictions in place.
As of May 2021, here are some of the general rules for domestic travel in India:
- Masks are mandatory in public places and on flights.
- Some states require a negative COVID-19 test report within 72 hours of travel or a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival.
- Passengers should check the rules for the state they are traveling to before departing.
Conclusion
The current status of travel restrictions in India is constantly evolving. While international air bubbles have been formed with specific countries, domestic travel restrictions vary by state. Passengers should stay updated on the latest rules and regulations before planning any travel.
Guidelines for Air Travel During Pandemic in India
As India continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel has been heavily impacted. However, as of August 2021, India is allowing flights from Dubai, subject to certain guidelines and protocols, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
- Passengers traveling from Dubai to India are required to fill out a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha website at least 72 hours before their scheduled flight.
- All passengers must undergo RT-PCR testing within 72 hours of their scheduled departure time and carry a negative report with them. If a passenger is unable to furnish a negative report, they will not be allowed to board the flight.
- All passengers must download the Aarogya Setu app on their phones and fill out the self-assessment questionnaire before boarding the flight.
It is important to note that these guidelines are subject to change and passengers are advised to keep themselves updated on the latest protocols before traveling.
In addition to the guidelines mentioned above, passengers must also follow general precautions, such as wearing a mask at all times, maintaining social distancing, and carrying a hand sanitizer. Passengers are also advised to minimize contact with surfaces, avoid touching their face, and follow the instructions given by airport and airline staff.
Quarantine Protocols for International Passengers
Passengers traveling from Dubai to India are required to follow strict quarantine protocols upon arrival.
Passengers must undergo thermal screening and anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19 will be taken to a designated hospital for further testing and treatment. All other passengers will be required to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, which will be monitored by local health authorities.
| Category | Quarantine Period |
|---|---|
| International passengers with RT-PCR negative certificate | 14-day home quarantine |
| International passengers without RT-PCR negative certificate | 7-day institutional quarantine, followed by 7-day home quarantine |
Passengers must also follow the instructions of the local health authorities and download the Aarogya Setu app on their phone. The app will provide real-time updates on the COVID-19 situation in India and allow passengers to seek medical help if needed.
In conclusion, air travel during the pandemic requires strict adherence to guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. Passengers traveling from Dubai to India must follow the guidelines mentioned above and stay updated on the latest protocols before traveling. By doing so, we can help curb the spread of COVID-19 and ensure a safer travel experience for everyone.
Entry Requirements for International Travelers in India
If you are planning to travel to India from Dubai, it is important to know the entry requirements. As of April 2021, the Indian government has issued new guidelines for international arrivals to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Here are the key requirements you need to know:
Quarantine Requirements
- All international travelers must undergo a seven-day institutional quarantine at their own cost, followed by seven days of home quarantine.
- Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival will be taken to a medical facility for isolation and treatment.
- Passengers who test negative for COVID-19 on arrival can proceed for institutional quarantine, or they can also opt for a paid COVID-19 test at the airport and, on receiving a negative result, can leave the airport without undergoing institutional quarantine.
Health Requirements
Prior to departure, all travelers must:
- Fill up a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal indicating their willingness to undergo mandatory quarantine, if necessary.
- Carry a negative COVID-19 certificate from a test conducted within 72 hours before departure.
- Undergo thermal screening upon arrival.
Travel Restrictions
As per the latest guidelines, few restrictions are imposed on foreign nationals willing to travel to India. However, travelers from the UK, Brazil, and South Africa are not allowed to enter India until further notice. Also, travelers on tourist visas are currently not allowed to enter India.
Conclusion
| Entry Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Quarantine | Seven-day institutional quarantine at your own cost, followed by seven days of home quarantine. |
| Health Requirements | Carry a negative COVID-19 certificate from a test conducted within 72 hours, and undergo thermal screening upon arrival. |
| Travel Restrictions | Travelers from the UK, Brazil, and South Africa are not allowed and tourist visa holders are not allowed. |
Make sure to check the latest guidelines before planning your trip and adhere to the protocols to make your visit to India safe and stress-free.
India’s Bilateral Air Bubble Agreement with UAE
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a bilateral air bubble agreement allowing both countries to operate special international flights between them.
- Initially, the agreement was for a limited period of two weeks, but it has since been extended several times as per the mutual agreement between these two countries.
- The aim of this agreement is to facilitate the movement of passengers who have faced travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and enable the gradual resumption of international flights.
- The air bubble agreement between India and UAE allows various airlines from both countries to operate a limited number of flights per week.
Number of Flights Permitted
As per the agreement signed between India and UAE, certain guidelines have been set for the number of flights that can be operated between these two countries.
| Country | Number of Flights Permitted |
|---|---|
| India | 28 flights per week (4 flights per day) |
| UAE | 24 flights per week (3 flights per day to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore) |
These flights can be operated by any airlines, including budget carriers and flag carriers. The total number of flights operated under the air travel bubble agreement should not exceed the number specified in the agreement.
Requirements for Passengers
Passengers traveling under the air bubble arrangement between India and UAE must adhere to certain guidelines set by both governments.
- It is mandatory for all passengers to carry a COVID-19 negative test report that is not more than 96 hours old at the time of boarding.
- All passengers must download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones.
- Passengers must also adhere to the quarantine rules set by the state governments of their destination upon arrival.
Conclusion
India’s bilateral air bubble agreement with UAE is a much-needed respite for passengers stranded due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The agreement has benefitted both India and UAE as it has allowed the gradual resumption of international travel, benefiting businesses and families across both countries.
Schedule and frequency of flights from Dubai to India
As of 2021, flights from Dubai to India are operating with certain regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian government has categorized countries into three categories – Category A, B, and C, based on the severity of the outbreak in each country. Dubai falls under Category A, which means flights can operate between the two regions.
- There are several airlines that operate flights from Dubai to India, including Emirates, Flydubai, Air India, Air Arabia, and IndiGo.
- The frequency of flights varies depending on the airline and destination. For example, Emirates operates flights from Dubai to several cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, with multiple flights per day.
- Air India also operates several flights from Dubai to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Kochi.
Each airline has its own schedule and frequency of flights, so it’s important to check with the airline directly for the latest updates and information. Flights may also be subject to change depending on the pandemic situation in both Dubai and India.
Here is a table showing the frequency of flights from Dubai to some of the major cities in India:
| Airline | Destination | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Mumbai | 4-5 flights per day |
| Emirates | Delhi | 2-3 flights per day |
| Emirates | Bengaluru | 1-2 flights per day |
| Air India | Mumbai | 1-2 flights per day |
| Air India | Delhi | 1-2 flights per day |
| Air India | Kochi | 1 flight per day |
It’s important to note that the pandemic situation is constantly evolving, and flight schedules may change at any time. It’s essential to stay updated with the latest guidelines and regulations set by the Indian government and the airlines.
Precautions and Safety Measures Taken at Indian Airports
As India continues to allow flights from Dubai, the safety and precautions taken at Indian airports play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both passengers and airport staff. Here are some of the measures Indian airports have put in place:
Social Distancing Measures
- Airports have marked out designated areas to maintain a distance of 6 feet between passengers.
- The number of seats in waiting areas has been reduced to ensure social distancing.
- Passengers are required to maintain social distancing while queuing up for security checks, immigration, and boarding.
Sanitization, Cleaning, and Disinfection
The airports have increased their cleaning and sanitization measures. Some of the measures include:
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of high-contact areas such as escalators, elevators, counters, etc.
- Usage of UV rays for disinfection of baggage.
- Installation of automatic hand sanitizer dispensers at several locations within the airport premises.
- Mandatory usage of masks and gloves by airport staff at all times.
Thermal Screening
Thermal screening of passengers is conducted at the airport to check for any signs of illness. Passengers with a temperature of 99.1°F or higher are not allowed to travel.
Test Results
It is mandatory for all passengers arriving in India from Dubai to carry a COVID-19 negative test result conducted not more than 72 hours before the journey. The results are verified by the airport staff at the time of arrival.
| Documents Required | Verification Process |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 negative test result | The results are verified by the airport staff at the time of arrival. |
| Arogya Setu App | Passengers must have the app installed on their phones and the app must show the status as “safe”. |
Passengers who do not carry a negative test result are tested at the airport and are required to stay in institutional quarantine until they receive their test results.
In conclusion, the Indian airports have taken several precautions and safety measures to ensure that passengers and airport staff are safe. The measures put in place are a necessary step in ensuring that flights from Dubai to India can resume.
Impact of Pandemic on the Aviation Industry in India
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the aviation industry in India. The government imposed a nationwide lockdown in March 2020, which led to a complete halt in the operations of the aviation industry. This not only affected the airlines but also the airports and the employees associated with the industry.
- The Indian aviation industry is expected to lose around $3.6 billion in the first quarter of FY 2021 due to the pandemic and related restrictions.
- The aviation sector’s workforce in India could shrink by 29% year on year, roughly translating to a loss of around 3.7 million jobs.
- The Indian aviation industry’s revenue is projected to decline by approximately 60-65% during 2020-2021.
The Indian aviation industry has been constantly trying to adapt to the “new normal” while adhering to various guidelines and restrictions imposed by the government. The government has gradually allowed domestic flights to resume operations, albeit with a reduced capacity of 80%. Furthermore, the Indian government has also entered into air transport bubble agreements with other countries.
The table below provides information on the air transport bubble agreements currently in place between India and other countries.
| Country | Effective Date of Agreement | Number of Flights per Week |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | July 12, 2020 | Unlimited |
| Germany | August 8, 2020 | 10 |
| United Kingdom | August 10, 2020 | 53 |
| France | August 18, 2020 | 28 |
Despite the current challenges faced by the aviation industry, there is optimism about the sector’s future in India. The industry is expected to gradually recover as restrictions ease and passenger confidence increases.
FAQs: Is India Allowing Flights from Dubai?
1. Is India currently allowing flights from Dubai?
Yes, India has resumed regular international flights from Dubai and other countries since 23 May 2021.
2. What is the process for returning to India from Dubai?
All passengers arriving in India from Dubai must register themselves on the Indian government’s portal and produce a negative COVID-19 test report.
3. What are the passport and visa requirements for traveling to Dubai from India?
Indian nationals holding a valid passport and a UAE visa can travel to Dubai. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is advisable to check the latest guidelines before booking a flight.
4. What airlines are currently operating flights between Dubai and India?
Several airlines, including Emirates, Air India, and IndiGo, are operating flights between Dubai and various destinations in India.
5. What pandemic-related safety measures are in place at the airports in Dubai and India?
Both Dubai and India have implemented strict safety protocols at their airports to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, and social distancing norms.
6. Are there any quarantine regulations for passengers traveling to India from Dubai?
In most cases, passengers arriving in India from Dubai are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days. However, the duration and mode of quarantine may vary depending on state-specific guidelines.
7. Are there any travel restrictions for Indian citizens traveling to Dubai?
As of now, Indian citizens are allowed to travel to Dubai, subject to the latest travel guidelines and visa regulations. However, they may need to undergo additional health screenings and quarantine measures on arrival.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this article has provided you with the information you were looking for regarding India’s policy on flights from Dubai. If you are planning to travel between these two destinations, make sure to check the latest COVID-19-related travel restrictions and guidelines before making any bookings. Thanks for reading, and do come back for more travel-related updates.