India Kuwait Air Bubble Agreement: All You Need to Know
In the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, countries across the world are exploring new ways to reopen their borders while ensuring the safety of their citizens. One such measure that has gained popularity is the establishment of air travel bubbles. These travel agreements allow citizens of two countries to travel back and forth under certain conditions and restrictions.
India has been one of the countries at the forefront of such agreements, and recently, it inked an air bubble pact with Kuwait. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the India Kuwait air bubble agreement entails and how it will affect air travel between the two nations.
What is the India Kuwait Air Bubble Agreement?
The India Kuwait air bubble agreement is a travel arrangement that allows airlines from India and Kuwait to operate flights between the two countries. It was signed on August 17, 2020, and came into effect on August 18, 2020.
The agreement allows Indian carriers to operate flights to Kuwait from 19 cities in India, while Kuwaiti airlines can operate flights to India from Kuwait City. The number of flights per week is limited to 10 for each country, and only passengers holding valid visas and travel documents will be allowed to fly.
What are the Conditions of the Agreement?
Under the India Kuwait air bubble agreement, certain conditions and restrictions have been put in place to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent the spread of Covid-19. Some of these are:
1. Passengers must have a valid Covid-19 negative test report from an ICMR-approved lab taken within 96 hours of departure.
2. All passengers will be screened on arrival and must undergo institutional quarantine for seven days at their own cost.
3. Passengers will be required to download and register on the Arogya Setu app before boarding the flight.
4. Airlines must ensure that all necessary precautions are taken, such as providing PPE kits to crew and deep cleaning the aircraft.
5. Passengers who test positive for Covid-19 during quarantine will be shifted to a hospital and treated as per prevailing guidelines.
How will it affect Air Travel between India and Kuwait?
The India Kuwait air bubble agreement is a significant development for air travel between the two nations, as it will allow thousands of stranded citizens to return home. This includes Indian workers in Kuwait who were forced to stay back due to the lockdown, as well as Kuwaiti citizens stuck in India.
The agreement will also boost trade and economic relations between the two countries, which have been adversely affected by the pandemic. It is expected to facilitate the movement of essential goods and services between India and Kuwait and provide a much-needed boost to businesses.
In Conclusion
The India Kuwait air bubble agreement is a welcome development for citizens of both countries who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. However, it is essential to remember that the fight against Covid-19 is far from over, and we must all continue to follow safety protocols to ensure the safety of ourselves and others. As air travel resumes, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we travel responsibly and follow all guidelines and restrictions put in place by authorities.