The Indian government has decided to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from the United States, who could not return due to COVID-19 related international travel restrictions, in a phased manner.
Air India will be operating non-scheduled commercial flights from the US to various cities in India from May 9 to 15 in the first phase.
Since the number of seats on the flights would be limited, passengers with compelling cases such as those facing medical emergencies or requiring return due to bereavement in the family. Students, pregnant women, elderly or those facing expiry of visas will be given priority and identified through an electronic random selection method.
The cost of travel from the designated airport in the US to the designated airport in India will be borne by the passenger. The Embassy/Consulates will share the details of passengers identified with Air India offices that will contact them directly regarding booking of tickets and mode of payment. Refund or adjustments, if any, for previously booked tickets may be processed separately with the Air India.
All passengers will be required to undergo medical screening before boarding the flight and only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel.
All passengers on arrival in India will be medically screened and will have to download and register on Aarogya Setu app.
All passengers will need to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine on arrival in India in institutional quarantine facilities on payment basis as per the protocols framed by the Indian government. COVID test would be done after 14 days and further action would be taken according to applicable health protocols.
All passengers will have to follow the procedures including health protocols issued by the US government on departure and by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Civil Aviation and other concerned authorities of the Government of India before, during the journey and on arrival in India.
All passengers will be required to sign an undertaking, which will be collected from them at the airport before boarding the flight.
( With inputs from ANI )