Air Canada has re-opened its Delhi-Toronto route which will now operate thrice every week under the new travel guidelines. Flights on this route will operate every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday till any further change is announced. Bookings are now open through its website and all major travel operators.
The action comes as Canada became the latest addition to the list of countries to form air bubbles with India. It is now on the list alongside the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and France. India has also set up bilateral travel arrangements with seven countries including the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until now. According to the Director-General of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), any Indian holding any kind of valid visa can now travel to Canada.
As per directives, all Overseas Citizens of India holding Canadian passports, stranded Indian nationals, and foreigners, including diplomats, holding a valid visa as approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs can now use this service. Meanwhile stranded Canadian nationals, any Indian with any type of Canadian visa, seamen of both Indian origin and foreign nationalities could use the return flights but would be subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.
The airlines are ensuring client safety, by introducing an industry-leading programme to follow end-to-end health protocols, including the use of new biosecurity standards and enhancing preventive measures in flight. Flyers will need to undergo mandatory tests and quarantine rules set by both countries.
As Indians pack their bags to come home via the Air Canada service, Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Puri confirmed that more air bubbles with other countries will be set up soon.