In a recent development, the Civil Aviation Ministry stated that the cost of travel for all flights falling under the Vande Bharat scheme or the Air Travel Bubble has to be borne by the respective travellers. The government had initially announced Standard Operating Protocols for all sorts of inbound and outbound travel. With all safety measures in place, the travellers will not only bear the cost of travel but also travel at their own risk.

The guidelines given by the Civil Aviation Ministry also stated that travel will be permitted for non-scheduled commercial flights with precautions like social distancing, compulsory masks and hand sanitization. This method will be observed for all crew members and passengers irrespective of flight or ship travel.

Further course of action

To avail this service, passengers will have to register themselves beforehand at the Indian missions in the countries they are currently residing in. This will be the case for Vande Bharat flights alone. Flights falling under the Air Travel Bubble will not be attached to such kind of registration procedures. The guidelines further stated that, “Category of persons eligible to travel will be permitted by the Home Ministry from time to time. Civil Aviation Ministry will display on its website the category of persons eligible to travel out of India.”

However, the guidelines are very clear cut stating that even though only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed, the Civil Aviation Ministry will not bear liability for the health of the traveller. The Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Ministry will be providing a schedule of flights and ships which are expected to arrive 2 days in advance. The passenger will have to give an undertaking to the respective authority before choosing their flight or ship.

Other developments

Land transport — Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Ever since the decision about opening up the inter-state and intra-state borders was announced as part of Unlock 4.0, precautionary measures have been set up for land transport as well. The guidelines remain the same as announced by the Health Ministry about maintaining social distancing and home quarantining yourself on arrival.

Lakhs of Indians have been stranded abroad ever since the pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Ministry of External Affairs said that the Vande Bharat Mission which was organised by the Indian government has brought home over 11 lakh Indians. As we approach the 4th term of Unlock, all of these measures taken by the Indian government come as a breath of fresh air. It will be interesting to note the further development with regard to guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

Although the travel and tourism industry has come to a halt because of the pandemic, all of these schemes come as a silver lining. If the appropriate measures are in place, your travel plans can soon come back to action. Now, since inter-state borders have also opened up, safe options of a holiday like staycation deals await you. You can look forward to some great options with the help of Pickyourtrail. Remember, we are all in this together and will surely emerge successful!