India to resume international flights and end air bubbles with UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman

Regular international services can operate to India from March 27 for the first time in nearly two years

India lifted a ban on international flights on March 27. AFP

The end of the flight ban will also terminate air bubbles between India, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and several other destinations. Reuters

Passengers arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in western India. AFP

Travellers arriving in India will undergo thermal temperature scans at airports. AFP

International travellers are able to fly to India on regular flights for the first time in nearly two years. Reuters

Children under 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements when flying to India. AFP

India on Tuesday announced that it will lift a ban on overseas commercial flights this month.

Scheduled international flights will be able to arrive in and depart the country from March 27, according to India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

It will be the first time in nearly two years that many major airlines will be able to operate to India after the country restricted air travel in a bid to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Only destinations that set up air bubble agreements with India were able to fly to and from the country amid the pandemic.

The UAE’s arrangement with India meant flights between the two destinations already operate.

However, the lifting of the ban is likely to see increased capacity and seat availability on UAE-India flights. The National has reached out to Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia for updates on any network changes.

In February, authorities in India again extended the flight ban until “further notice” citing the Omicron wave of Covid-19 cases around the world.

The lifting of restrictions later this month comes amid increased vaccination rates around the world, said the country's civil aviation authority.

India ends air bubbles with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Maldives and more

Flights have continued to operate between India and the Maldives because of an air bubble agreement. Photo: Constance Moofushi

The resumption of international flights will also bring an end to air bubbles in place between India and many countries,, including the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

It will also end reciprocal arrangements for flights in popular holiday destinations including the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

“Resumption of commercial international passenger services would imply reversion to bilaterally agreed capacity entitlements and termination of air bubble arrangements,” the civil aviation authority said in a circular.

Travellers flying to India from 88 countries, as well as those who received vaccinations in India, no longer need to show negative PCR tests when flying to the country.

This does not apply to UAE travellers, who still need to show negative results of a test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival.

Find out more about the rules for travelling between India and the UAE here.

India was the top destination country for Dubai International Airport in 2021, with 4.2 million passengers flying in or out of DXB.

Dubai International Airport passenger numbers - in pictures

Dubai handled 29.1 million passengers last year, exceeding its forecast of 28.7 million. All photos: Dubai Airports

Dubai International Airport recorded a 12.7 per cent increase in annual passenger traffic in 2021.

Dubai International's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.

The airport's cargo operations continue to outperform the passenger segment.

Dubai International, which reopened Terminal 1 in June 2021, after a 15-month closure, says its runways are operating at full capacity.

The airport's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.

Dubai International Airport is home to Emirates airline.

Visitor numbers are expected to increase.

Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

Dubai International was named the world's busiest international airport in October.

Smart gates at the airport. Emirates announced plans in September to recruit 500 airport services employees and 3,000 cabin crew at its Dubai base.

The airport is benefitting from a relaxation of travel curbs and vaccination programmes, which are driving a rebound in air travel demand.

A passenger surge is anticipated after travel restrictions with India, one of the UAE's top source markets, were eased.

Dubai Airports says its passenger traffic figures are 'realistic forecasts' that balance sustainable operations with cash flow.