Latest Travel Updates for India
International airlines are increasing capacity to India as the country ended its flight ban on March 27 for the first time in two years.
Recently relaxed COVID-19 entry rules have made it easier for travelers to visit India, with vaccinated visitors no longer required to take a test before traveling to India or to quarantine on arrival since February 14.
Throughout much of the pandemic, airlines could only operate a limited number of commercial flights to and from certain countries due to India’s reciprocal “air bubble” agreements. However, India has lifted its remaining international flight bans and disbanded the air bubbles to reinstate connectivity with the world amid rising vaccination rates.
Impact of Russian Airspace Closure on Routes to India
While unrestricted airline travel will provide more options, travelers face another hurdle: the rising cost of airfare. Limited routes into the country and skyrocketing demand have caused airfares to become “exorbitant” in recent months, as reported by local media. Notably, before the recent changes, some airfare routes had experienced a 100% rise.
As airlines resume operations, it is anticipated that passengers will see a drop in fares in the upcoming weeks. Nonetheless, it is unlikely airfare will return to pre-pandemic levels due to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices. Moreover, airlines like American Airlines have stopped using Russian airspace, resulting in longer flights that are more expensive to operate.
Consequently, some routes are no longer viable. United Airlines recently announced it is suspending its Delhi-San Francisco and Mumbai-Newark routes indefinitely, making the Delhi-Chicago route the only one that remains operational.
Air India is one of the few airlines still utilizing Russian airspace.
Current COVID-19 Restrictions in India
Since February 14, travelers from 82 approved countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, no longer need a pre-departure test to visit India, as long as they present proof of vaccination. However, unvaccinated arrivals must still provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours.
All arrivals are required to upload their vaccination status to the Air Suvidha portal before boarding their flight. Additionally, the country dropped its quarantine rule, asking travelers to self-monitor their health and report any symptoms for 14 days.
Some domestic travel restrictions remain in place, and certain states have additional requirements for international arrivals. For example, Rajasthan mandates testing upon arrival, while travelers heading to Goa must show proof of a negative test on arrival. Most states require domestic travelers to upload their vaccination and testing status using a specific mobile application.
This article has provided an overview of the latest travel updates regarding airline operations and COVID-19 restrictions in India, crucial for travelers planning their journeys.
