Transit travel to/from India under the 'air bubble' agreements [ends 27 March 2022]
Dec 10, 2021, 11:31 am
#1591
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
Updated today:
2. Australia
India has established an air bubble with Australia. The Indian and Australian carriers may carry the following passengers on their flights being operated between India and Australia:
A. Inbound flights into India:
a. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in Australia and New Zealand;
b. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country; and
c. All foreign nationals holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
B. Outbound flights from India:
a. Nationals/residents of Australia, and foreign nationals with valid visa who are eligible to enter Australia/New Zealand;
b. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for Australia/ New Zealand and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
c. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.
India has established an air bubble with Australia. The Indian and Australian carriers may carry the following passengers on their flights being operated between India and Australia:
A. Inbound flights into India:
a. Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in Australia and New Zealand;
b. All Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and PIO cardholders holding passports of any country; and
c. All foreign nationals holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
B. Outbound flights from India:
a. Nationals/residents of Australia, and foreign nationals with valid visa who are eligible to enter Australia/New Zealand;
b. Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan destined for Australia/ New Zealand and holding a valid visa of the destination country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter the destination country before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese passenger; and
c. Seamen of foreign nationalities and Seamen holding Indian passports would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.
Dec 10, 2021, 1:11 pm
#1592
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 567
It was around April 22nd that JL canceled flights between India and the USA. I was booked to fly in mid-April 2021, but I tested positive the day of the flight. Looking for later dates, none were available to book. You could book DEL-TYO and TYO-JFK, but not DEL-TYO-JFK.
EDIT: Went back and checked upthread, because I recalled this conversation on this thread. You did indeed travel after I couldn't find award or revenue space to book.
EDIT: Went back and checked upthread, because I recalled this conversation on this thread. You did indeed travel after I couldn't find award or revenue space to book.
A couple of days back United had flown back their plane empty out of DEL back to EWR since they had some dispute with DEL airport babus about crew quarantine...so for some time I thought all flights would be shut down and I would be stuck for ever....
Dec 11, 2021, 1:22 am
#1593
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,708
M&M will rebook you onto Lufthansa alternatives once the TK flight is cancelled: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33751845-post153.html
Dec 11, 2021, 1:26 am
#1594
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 252
Has anyone had recent experiences with transit travel USA -> India via Frankfurt on Lufthansa with a visa (no OCI card)? I haven't heard stories of LH cancelling tickets or denying boarding here, so I'm assuming it's fine?
Dec 11, 2021, 5:14 am
#1595
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,281
Lufthansa is technically not allowed to pick up pax from the US and had a spat with the GoI in Q3/20 about it. Since then they publish their rules on the LH India info page (scroll down on the page): https://www.lufthansa.com/in/en/flight-information
Dec 11, 2021, 7:15 am
#1596
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BLR
Programs: AA - EXP, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, UK - Gold
Posts: 1,229
Lufthansa is technically not allowed to pick up pax from the US and had a spat with the GoI in Q3/20 about it. Since then they publish their rules on the LH India info page (scroll down on the page): https://www.lufthansa.com/in/en/flight-information
Dec 11, 2021, 8:09 am
#1597
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,517
Did some searches but can't find a definitive answer from anyone-- just some things that seem to contradict each other, and now with Omicron things seem to be changing a lot.
If anyone can help out with info or with a link to a useful post, that would be great!
My partner has a DL/KLM flight USA-AMS-BOM for Sunday night. Indian passport, B1 Visa, resides in US. Has appt to do Visa renewal stamp next week. Could cancel and move to next year but hoping this works out this weekend!
I see that KLM cannot take US residents from EU to India, but these are DL flight numbers and there seems to be a Delta "bubble" that allows a connection in AMS/CDG.
The DL website says "X-- You are not allowed to travel".
Thoughts? Thanks!
Here's what KLM India's web page says:
SCOPE: USA
Starting 1st January 2021, the "bilateral air bubble agreement" between India and the USA permits partner Delta Airlines to codeshare with KLM and fly passengers between India and USA via Amsterdam.
Sounds good, right? but.... IS DL JFK-AMS-BOM with DL flight numbers a "Delta Flight"?
This below is copied from Indian Eagle travel agency website;
Indian passport holders, lawful permanent residents, B2/B1 visa holders, US citizens with/without OCI/PIO cards, and foreign nationals with a valid visa can travel on Delta flights to India from USA and from India to USA.\
Thanks again!
If anyone can help out with info or with a link to a useful post, that would be great!
My partner has a DL/KLM flight USA-AMS-BOM for Sunday night. Indian passport, B1 Visa, resides in US. Has appt to do Visa renewal stamp next week. Could cancel and move to next year but hoping this works out this weekend!
I see that KLM cannot take US residents from EU to India, but these are DL flight numbers and there seems to be a Delta "bubble" that allows a connection in AMS/CDG.
The DL website says "X-- You are not allowed to travel".
Thoughts? Thanks!
Here's what KLM India's web page says:
SCOPE: USA
Starting 1st January 2021, the "bilateral air bubble agreement" between India and the USA permits partner Delta Airlines to codeshare with KLM and fly passengers between India and USA via Amsterdam.
Sounds good, right? but.... IS DL JFK-AMS-BOM with DL flight numbers a "Delta Flight"?
This below is copied from Indian Eagle travel agency website;
Delta Airlines Flights between USA and India
The list of airlines operating air bubble flights between USA and India includes Delta Airlines. Delta is currently operating Air France and KLM Airlines’ codeshare flights via Paris and Amsterdam respectively. Though both Air France and KLM Airlines are flying to and from India, they do not have the permission to carry Indian nationals beyond their hub airports in the EU region. Please note Delta Airlines’ nonstop flights to Mumbai from USA continue to remain suspended.Indian passport holders, lawful permanent residents, B2/B1 visa holders, US citizens with/without OCI/PIO cards, and foreign nationals with a valid visa can travel on Delta flights to India from USA and from India to USA.\
Thanks again!
Last edited by kyushuman; Dec 11, 2021 at 8:53 am
Dec 11, 2021, 11:33 am
#1598
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
Did some searches but can't find a definitive answer from anyone-- just some things that seem to contradict each other, and now with Omicron things seem to be changing a lot.
If anyone can help out with info or with a link to a useful post, that would be great!
My partner has a DL/KLM flight USA-AMS-BOM for Sunday night. Indian passport, B1 Visa, resides in US. Has appt to do Visa renewal stamp next week. Could cancel and move to next year but hoping this works out this weekend!
I see that KLM cannot take US residents from EU to India, but these are DL flight numbers and there seems to be a Delta "bubble" that allows a connection in AMS/CDG.
Here's what KLM India's web page says:
SCOPE: USA
Starting 1st January 2021, the "bilateral air bubble agreement" between India and the USA permits partner Delta Airlines to codeshare with KLM and fly passengers between India and USA via Amsterdam.
Sounds good, right? but.... IS DL JFK-AMS-BOM with DL flight numbers a "Delta Flight"?
<snip>
Thanks again!
If anyone can help out with info or with a link to a useful post, that would be great!
My partner has a DL/KLM flight USA-AMS-BOM for Sunday night. Indian passport, B1 Visa, resides in US. Has appt to do Visa renewal stamp next week. Could cancel and move to next year but hoping this works out this weekend!
I see that KLM cannot take US residents from EU to India, but these are DL flight numbers and there seems to be a Delta "bubble" that allows a connection in AMS/CDG.
Here's what KLM India's web page says:
SCOPE: USA
Starting 1st January 2021, the "bilateral air bubble agreement" between India and the USA permits partner Delta Airlines to codeshare with KLM and fly passengers between India and USA via Amsterdam.
Sounds good, right? but.... IS DL JFK-AMS-BOM with DL flight numbers a "Delta Flight"?
<snip>
Thanks again!
Make sure they have appropriate testing/vax certificate etc for AMS (if required) and BOM.
Also note that BOM is testing and home-quarantining all arrivals from EU, so scheduling an appointment in the first few days after landing may not be advisable.
Dec 11, 2021, 11:47 am
#1599
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,517
You are correct, DL codeshare flights are exempt from the bubble and if you look upthread you will find examples of people transiting via both CDG and AMS. May be useful to call Delta once and check beforehand for a final confirmation.
Make sure they have appropriate testing/vax certificate etc for AMS (if required) and BOM.
Also note that BOM is testing and home-quarantining all arrivals from EU, so scheduling an appointment in the first few days after landing may not be advisable.
Make sure they have appropriate testing/vax certificate etc for AMS (if required) and BOM.
Also note that BOM is testing and home-quarantining all arrivals from EU, so scheduling an appointment in the first few days after landing may not be advisable.
Thanks again!
Dec 11, 2021, 11:53 am
#1600
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,281
It seems all arrivals from the EU are subject to testing, see this thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/indi...l#post33803101
Dec 11, 2021, 12:19 pm
#1601
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 252
Lufthansa is technically not allowed to pick up pax from the US and had a spat with the GoI in Q3/20 about it. Since then they publish their rules on the LH India info page (scroll down on the page): https://www.lufthansa.com/in/en/flight-information
B. Any Indian national holding a valid visa and all Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders holding passport issued by any country in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa only and originating from any country in the EU/Schengen area, South America or Africa.
C. Foreigners holding valid visa (not OCI) issued by an Indian Mission in any category covered under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines dated 30.06.2020 as amended from time to time
Dec 11, 2021, 12:26 pm
#1602
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,517
It seems all arrivals from the EU are subject to testing, see this thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/indi...l#post33803101
Interestingly, the Air Sudivha site asks for "Origin City" so we have a faint hope that means the AMS transit for 2 hours doesn't consider him to be from an "At Risk" country. Faint.
Dec 11, 2021, 1:40 pm
#1604
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,708
as far as testing is concerned, they don't seem to be relying on the air suvidha form....if your flight comes in from an 'at-risk' nation then you are subject to testing....even though its clearly stated in the faq that those transiting should be exempt....
Dec 11, 2021, 1:44 pm
#1605
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
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The testing is totally fine-- it's the quarantine we don't want. Yes, Air suvidha says if you're not from an at risk country you don't need to quarantine. But each state could have their own rules, I realize!