NEW DELHI: India is likely to have “special arrangement aerial connectivity” with the US, France and Germany within a week. The airlines of all these countries will be allowed to operate flights and ferry passengers to and from India.
These airlines would be eligible under home ministry rules, said people in the know. TOI has learned that talks with the US, France and Germany are at a very advanced stage and the announcement could be made within a week. India is also in discussions with the UAE to facilitate travel from here.
India was also keen on a travel corridor with the UK, apart from the US, France and Germany, to facilitate travel during the pandemic and till schedule flights resume. With the Gulf, arrangements are being made to operate charter flights to allow travel both ways.
At present, airlines like Lufthansa, Air France and United are allowed to operate repatriation flights mainly to fly those who are eligible under MHA guidelines. But under the special arrangement, travellers will be able to fly on airlines of India, Germany, France and America. Once this arrangement is made with other countries, their airlines will also carry traffic in and out of India.