Increasing air bubble flight agreements with more countries will give much-needed impetus to business: TAAI

Soon after the Indian government signed yet another air bubble travel agreement with Australia, followed by signing the dotted lines with Saudi Arabia there are speculations and responses all around in the industry, mostly of which are positive, and the increasing agreements are being looked upon as some sigh of relief for Indian aviation fraternity. After the latest agreement, direct flights between India and Saudi Arabia will commence soon, as the agreement will come into effect from January 1, 2022.

Speaking on the development, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) praised the government for taking a wise step in these times and expanding its air bubble flight agreement count for the betterment of travel and tourism sector and also the economy as a whole. “Such tough times call for an immediate action and I think this is the best that could be done to avoid travel difficulties to some extent,” she commented.

With this agreement India has now an air bubble agreement with 34 countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Russia and so on. Commenting on which Jay Bhatia, VP, TAAI said that this has come as a good sign, and it has not only expanded the horizons of international travel for Indian travellers but has also worked as an element strengthening bilateral bonds. “The government earlier had informed the Parliament that they have proposals from 10 countries to sign the air bubble agreements out of which Australia and Saudi Arabia have been accepted as of now and definitely more to follow,” he said.

“Scheduled international passenger flight operations will remain suspended in India till January 31 meanwhile agreements like these could work as a stepney in taking business forward which already has seen an avalanche of ups and downs during Covid crisis,” Bettaiah Lokesh, HSG, TAAI mentioned.

“Air Bubble agreements are one of the best solutions aimed at restarting commercial passenger services between the two countries when regular international flights are suspended due to Covid and the best part about these agreements is that they are reciprocative in nature which allows airlines from both the countries to enjoy similar benefits,” stated Shreeram Patel, Treasurer, TAAI.