India lifted a ban on international flights on March 27. AFP
India lifted a ban on international flights on March 27. AFP
The end of the flight ban will also terminate air bubbles between India, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and several other destinations. Reuters
The end of the flight ban will also terminate air bubbles between India, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and several other destinations. Reuters
Passengers arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in western India. AFP
Passengers arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in western India. AFP
Travellers arriving in India will undergo thermal temperature scans at airports. AFP
Travellers arriving in India will undergo thermal temperature scans at airports. AFP
International travellers are able to fly to India on regular flights for the first time in nearly two years. Reuters
International travellers are able to fly to India on regular flights for the first time in nearly two years. Reuters
Children under 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements when flying to India. AFP
Children under 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements when flying to India. AFP

Travel

News

India to resume international flights and end air bubbles with UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman

Regular international services can operate to India from March 27 for the first time in nearly two years

Hayley Skirka
Hayley Skirka

March 09, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

India on Tuesday announced that it will lift a ban on overseas commercial flights this month.

Scheduled international flights will be able to arrive in and depart the country from March 27, according to India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

It will be the first time in nearly two years that many major airlines will be able to operate to India after the country restricted air travel in a bid to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Only destinations that set up air bubble agreements with India were able to fly to and from the country amid the pandemic.

The UAE’s arrangement with India meant flights between the two destinations already operate.

However, the lifting of the ban is likely to see increased capacity and seat availability on UAE-India flights. The National has reached out to Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia for updates on any network changes.

In February, authorities in India again extended the flight ban until “further notice” citing the Omicron wave of Covid-19 cases around the world.

The lifting of restrictions later this month comes amid increased vaccination rates around the world, said the country's civil aviation authority.

India ends air bubbles with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Maldives and more

Flights have continued to operate between India and the Maldives because of an air bubble agreement. Photo: Constance Moofushi
Flights have continued to operate between India and the Maldives because of an air bubble agreement. Photo: Constance Moofushi

The resumption of international flights will also bring an end to air bubbles in place between India and many countries,, including the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

It will also end reciprocal arrangements for flights in popular holiday destinations including the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

“Resumption of commercial international passenger services would imply reversion to bilaterally agreed capacity entitlements and termination of air bubble arrangements,” the civil aviation authority said in a circular.

Travellers flying to India from 88 countries, as well as those who received vaccinations in India, no longer need to show negative PCR tests when flying to the country.

This does not apply to UAE travellers, who still need to show negative results of a test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival.

Find out more about the rules for travelling between India and the UAE here.

India was the top destination country for Dubai International Airport in 2021, with 4.2 million passengers flying in or out of DXB.

Dubai International Airport passenger numbers - in pictures

Dubai handled 29.1 million passengers last year, exceeding its forecast of 28.7 million. All photos: Dubai Airports
Dubai handled 29.1 million passengers last year, exceeding its forecast of 28.7 million. All photos: Dubai Airports
Dubai International Airport recorded a 12.7 per cent increase in annual passenger traffic in 2021.
Dubai International Airport recorded a 12.7 per cent increase in annual passenger traffic in 2021.
Dubai International's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
Dubai International's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
The airport's cargo operations continue to outperform the passenger segment.
The airport's cargo operations continue to outperform the passenger segment.
Dubai International, which reopened Terminal 1 in June 2021, after a 15-month closure, says its runways are operating at full capacity.
Dubai International, which reopened Terminal 1 in June 2021, after a 15-month closure, says its runways are operating at full capacity.
The airport's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
The airport's operator says retail and restaurant spending have 'never been higher' as travel-deprived passengers take the opportunity to indulge in shopping.
Dubai International Airport is home to Emirates airline.
Dubai International Airport is home to Emirates airline.
Visitor numbers are expected to increase.
Visitor numbers are expected to increase.
Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.
Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.
Dubai International was named the world's busiest international airport in October.
Dubai International was named the world's busiest international airport in October.
Smart gates at the airport. Emirates announced plans in September to recruit 500 airport services employees and 3,000 cabin crew at its Dubai base.
Smart gates at the airport. Emirates announced plans in September to recruit 500 airport services employees and 3,000 cabin crew at its Dubai base.
The airport is benefitting from a relaxation of travel curbs and vaccination programmes, which are driving a rebound in air travel demand.
The airport is benefitting from a relaxation of travel curbs and vaccination programmes, which are driving a rebound in air travel demand.
A passenger surge is anticipated after travel restrictions with India, one of the UAE's top source markets, were eased.
A passenger surge is anticipated after travel restrictions with India, one of the UAE's top source markets, were eased.
Dubai Airports says its passenger traffic figures are 'realistic forecasts' that balance sustainable operations with cash flow.
Dubai Airports says its passenger traffic figures are 'realistic forecasts' that balance sustainable operations with cash flow.
Election pledges on migration

CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections" 

SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom" 

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

While you're here
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The%20specs%20
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FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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Crops that could be introduced to the UAE

1: Quinoa 

2. Bathua 

3. Amaranth 

4. Pearl and finger millet 

5. Sorghum

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Real Sociedad v Leganes (midnight)

Saturday

Alaves v Real Valladolid (4pm)

Valencia v Granada (7pm)

Eibar v Real Madrid (9.30pm)

Barcelona v Celta Vigo (midnight)

Sunday

Real Mallorca v Villarreal (3pm)

Athletic Bilbao v Levante (5pm)

Atletico Madrid v Espanyol (7pm)

Getafe v Osasuna (9.30pm)

Real Betis v Sevilla (midnight)

From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases

A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.

One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait,  Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.

In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.

The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.

And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.

 

Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Rating: 2/5
 
MATCH INFO

Osasuna 1 Real Madrid 4
Osasuna: García (14')
Real Madrid: Isco (33'), Ramos (38'), Vázquez (84'), Jovic (90' 2)

CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 420 bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: from Dh293,200

On sale: now

ASIAN%20RUGBY%20CHAMPIONSHIP%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EResults%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EHong%20Kong%2052-5%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESouth%20Korea%2055-5%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EMalaysia%206-70%20Hong%20Kong%3Cbr%3EUAE%2036-32%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFriday%2C%20June%2021%2C%207.30pm%20kick-off%3A%20UAE%20v%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EAt%20The%20Sevens%2C%20Dubai%20(admission%20is%20free).%3Cbr%3ESaturday%3A%20Hong%20Kong%20v%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

MATCH INFO

Karnatake Tuskers 114-1 (10 ovs)

Charles 57, Amla 47

Bangla Tigers 117-5 (8.5 ovs)

Fletcher 40, Moores 28 no, Lamichhane 2-9

Bangla Tiger win by five wickets

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

Updated: March 10, 2022, 11:19 AM`
IndiaUAEAir ArabiaDelhi