Question : International Flight from Kochin

(a) whether the Government plans to start more international flights from Kochin international airport;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the existing international flights;

(c) whether the Government has air bubble agreement with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries;

(d) the complete details of the countries with which India have air bubble agreement;

(e) whether the Government plans to introduce special flights to repatriate NRIs who have lost jobs in the Middle East as a result of COVID-19 pandemic; and

(f) if so, the details regarding the same?

The Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) & (b) The Government provides an enabling environment for growth of civil aviation sector but does not interfere in the operational plans of the airlines. Airlines are free to select whatever markets and network they wish to service and operate within the ambit of bilateral agreements. The airlines provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability.;

As per information available with Cochin Airport, between 07.05.2020 and 28.07.2021, 5262 inbound and 5210 outbound international flights have been operated to/from Cochin International Airport to various international destinations.;

(c) Among the Gulf countries, the Government has formalized air bubble arrangements with Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Currently, there is no air bubble with Saudi Arabia.;

(d) List of countries with which air bubble arrangements have been formalized is at Annexure.;

(e) and (f) Flights are being operated under the air bubble arrangements with various countries in the Middle East. NRIs desirous of returning to India can avail these flights for travel to India.;