Keeping in view the COVID -19 Pandemic and ongoing Lockdown through which the whole world is fighting, the Central Government launched Vande Bharat Flights till October 31st, planned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to bring back the trapped Indians who are delayed outside due to the latest extended lockdown announcement.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation will operate Vande Bharat flights to countries such as Israel, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Italy, according to the new roaster prepared by Air India but currently, none of these countries has a bilateral agreement with India. The new flight schedule begins on June 3 and finishes on October 31. Although the Government had not yet signed the pact with these countries it had been stated that soon the Government will activate an air bubble pact with these countries keeping in view the Coronavirus Situation and situation of the Indian people abroad who had been trapped due to extended lockdown.
Airport Director Madhusudan Rao also said that as many as 490 international flights had landed at Vijayawada Airport in phase one of the Vande Bharat Mission." All facilities are made for passengers' comfort. There will be 10 international services per week, however, there will be no services on Sundays," he added.
Also Read: H-1B Visas: Back to pre-Trump as Biden removes restrictive rules
The Ministry of Civil Aviation also stated that, that 8.9 million nationals have been brought back from abroad, making it the world's largest activity of its kind while the original plan was to bring back over 200,000 nationals. Air India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation also played a major and key role in the launching of Vande Bharat Flights.
(This news story was contributed by Shefali Kohli)