It has been more than two years since the world began trying to fight the Covid -19. At various stages, humanity has been moving forward in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the restrictions imposed by various countries on their own. Now all the countries of the world, including India, have decided to move forward vigorously, deregulating all the restrictions for a quick return to normalcy. We would say that people have learned to control their emotions and move on with their lives.

The news of international flight services continuing the air bubble agreement for an indefinite period of time has dampened the Indian diaspora’s morale. Under the agreement, only designated carriers of the countries are allowed to operate. This agreement came into effect on March 22, 2020, and has been extended since then. 

Air bubble agreement is a temporary arrangement between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers both residents and citizens travelling to and from India have been hoping for the opening of a regular flight service that will allow more airlines to operate in this sector, subsequently, fares may come down.

All over the world, all airports are fully open. For the majority of the countries, PCR, tests have become a history now. Thus the authorities have made life easier for all travellers. But unfortunately, India alone is delaying the decision to normalise air services to foreign countries. It is hard to digest the logic behind the decision.  Air tickets prices are highly unpredictable under this bubble agreement. Who is to blame for this unrestricted hike? This issue should be resolved without delay.

It is disappointing that the decision of the air bubble agreement has been extended. Despite the fact that all the other restrictions have been lifted, continuing with the air bubble agreement is totally illogical.