The First Air Bubble of South Asia – India-Maldives partners together
Saturday 15th of August 2020
The First Air Bubble of South Asia – India-Maldives partners together
Air bubbles go by different names; they can be called travel bubbles or even air corridors and so far, India has set up bilateral travel arrangements with 7 countries - US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, the UAE and, now the new addition, Maldives. These air bubbles now ensure an easy travel for tourists to India and more Indians to abroad. However, passengers may still be required to undergo quarantines or tests mandated by the destination countries.
During the meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Maldives, Abdulla Shahid, and Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Maldives and India have agreed to establish the first Air Bubble in South Asia, facilitating easier travel for urgent medical treatment in India and tourists looking to visit the Maldives. The special travel bubble is part of a slew of measures formalized today to enhance trade and cooperation between the two countries.
With this announcement, regular scheduled flights will commence between the two countries, enabling the further strengthening of this traditionally strong people-to-people bond. However, relevant public health related requirements against Covid19 will continue to be observed by both countries.
Flights between India and the Maldives are likely to start on Tuesday, 18 August, although this is not confirmatory. The Maldives, mainly being a stay-in destination, has emerged as the most popular choice among Indians to take their first post-pandemic international break.
The Indian market held third place in terms of arrivals to the Maldives with a market share of 8.8% up until May 2019 and was categorized as the fastest growing source market for Maldives tourism in 2019. Hence, Maldives is now ready to welcome their long beloved Indian tourists to the sunny side of life, with all opened resorts taking strict hygiene measures and safety guidelines to ensure the welfare of all guests.