The COVID-19 pandemic has brought international travel to a standstill, but with the gradual lifting of restrictions, various countries are establishing air bubbles to allow travel between them. India is one of the countries that has been actively forming these air bubbles, and the latest addition to their list is Malaysia.
The India-Malaysia air bubble agreement was signed on October 1, 2020, and the flights between the two countries started from October 17, 2020. The agreement allows airlines from both countries to operate between designated airports, provided they follow the COVID-19 protocols.
Under the agreement, Air India will operate flights between Kuala Lumpur and Delhi, while Malindo Air will operate flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chennai. Only eligible passengers will be allowed to travel, including Indian nationals stranded in Malaysia, Malaysians who hold valid Indian visas, and any other foreign nationals who are allowed to enter India as per the latest guidelines.
Passengers will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test before boarding the flight, and upon arrival, they will have to undergo another test and remain in institutional quarantine until their test results are available. Once their results are negative, they can undergo home quarantine for a further 14 days.
The India-Malaysia air bubble agreement is a significant milestone for both countries, as it will boost tourism and bilateral trade. Malaysia is a popular destination for Indian tourists, and the agreement is expected to bring back the influx of Indian tourists to the country, which had significantly declined due to the pandemic.
This agreement is also beneficial for Malaysians as it will allow them to visit India for business, education, and medical purposes. Besides, India is one of Malaysia`s most significant trading partners, and the agreement will enable business travelers to resume their activities seamlessly.
In conclusion, the India-Malaysia air bubble agreement is a step towards normalizing international travel while ensuring the safety of passengers. It is an excellent example of how countries can collaborate to mitigate the impact of the pandemics on tourism and trade. Both countries are hopeful that this agreement will pave the way for more such collaborations with other countries in the future.