India and Kuwait have recently signed an air bubble agreement, allowing airlines from both countries to operate special flights. The agreement was signed on October 21, 2020, following negotiations between the two countries. This agreement comes at a time when air travel has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is an air bubble agreement?
An air bubble agreement is a temporary arrangement between two countries that allows airlines to operate a specified number of flights to and from each other`s territories. The agreement is usually signed to ease travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian government has signed such agreements with over 20 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
Impact on travelers
The air bubble agreement between India and Kuwait will benefit Indian nationals stranded in Kuwait and Kuwaiti nationals stranded in India. Indian nationals who wish to travel to Kuwait for employment or other reasons can now do so. This agreement will also facilitate the movement of students and medical patients who have been stranded due to travel restrictions.
The agreement is also expected to benefit the airline industry, which has been affected by the pandemic. With the resumption of flights, airlines can generate some revenue and gradually recover from the losses incurred during the pandemic. The agreement will also provide a much-needed boost to the travel and tourism sector, which has been struggling due to the pandemic.
Precautionary measures
As the pandemic is still ongoing, both countries have agreed to follow strict health and safety protocols. Airline passengers will have to follow the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the respective countries. Passengers will have to carry a negative COVID-19 test report and undergo thermal screening at the respective airports. Passengers will also have to follow social distancing norms and wear face masks at all times.
Conclusion
The India-Kuwait air bubble agreement is a significant step towards restoring normalcy in travel and the aviation industry. The agreement will benefit both countries and will help stranded nationals return to their homes. As the world continues to fight the pandemic, such agreements provide a glimmer of hope for a future where travel can resume safely and effortlessly. We can only hope that the pandemic subsides soon, and the aviation industry can get back on track.