New Delhi: Days after national carrier Air India said it will operate flights to Germany from October 26, both the countries have reached an equitable agreement on flights to be operated by airlines of India and Germany under the air bubble pact. While Lufthansa will operate 10 weekly flights — three each to and from Mumbai and Bengaluru, four to and from Delhi and, Air India will operate seven flights a week— five to and from Delhi and two from Bengaluru. Also Read – India to Operate First Vande Bharat Mission Flight to Wuhan on Oct 30
Recently, issues had occurred regarding the number of flights being operated by Lufthansa and Air India between the two countries.
These issues lead to a virtual breakdown of the previous agreement, and consequently, Lufthansa and Air India had to cancel their flights between India and Germany. Also Read – US Presidential Debate: “Look at China, Russia, India… Air is Filthy”, Trump Justifies Stand on Climate Change
Flights between India & Germany recommence under air bubble arrangement. Lufthansa will operate from Delhi (4 days), Mumbai (3 days) & Bengaluru (3 days). @airindiain will operate 5 weekly flights from Delhi & 2 every week from Bengaluru to Frankfurt.@MoCA_GoI Also Read – Captured Chinese Soldier Who Strayed Into Ladakh Handed Over by Indian Army
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) October 21, 2020
However, on October 16, Air India informed that it will operate flights between India-Germany from 26th Oct’ 20 to 28th March ’21. The announcement had indicated that a breakthrough in ‘Air Bubble’ negotiations has been achieved between India and Germany.
Notably, Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, special international flights have been allowed under the Vande Bharat mission and the bilateral air bubble pacts formed by India with around 18 countries, including Ukraine and Bangladesh. Also Read – Badminton’s World Junior Championship Cancelled Due to Coronavirus Pandemic.
‘Air Bubble’ agreements are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.
