Muscat: The Indian Embassy in Oman announced that an air bubble between Oman and India has been established. This will be effective from today until 30 November this year.
The designated carriers of both the countries are now permitted to operate services between Oman and India with certain conditions. For flights from Oman to India, the carriers can only carry Indian nationals stranded in Oman, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders holding Omani passport and, Omani nationals including diplomats, who hold visas issued by Indian mission in any category covered under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines issued on June 30 this year and which has been amended since then from time to time.
For flights from India to Oman, the conditions stipulate that the Omani nationals as well as resident cardholders can be carried by the airlines, and further stipulates that Indian nationals carrying valid residency permit can be carried only if their destination is Oman. It is within the remit of the airlines of ensure the eligibility of the passengers to enter Oman and this must be ensured before the passenger is issued a ticket.
Announcing the air bubble between the two countries, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Housing &Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, said through a Twitter message that he was happy to announce the bilateral air bubble arrangement between India and Oman. “Bilateral air bubble arrangement is now in place for flights between India and Oman, taking the number of such arrangements to 16.”
The operations will ensure strict adherence to the SOP issued by civil aviation authorities and other COVID-19 related guidelines issued by both the countries. The tickets for the travel will be available through the GDS (Global Distribution System) of the airlines, as activated by the concerned airlines.
