It will be the fifth air bubble arrangement for India as it already has it with the US, the UK, Germany and France

Air travel between India and Canada is going to become easy for the nationals of both countries as the ‘air bubble’ arrangement between the two becomes operational from August 15. Hindustan Times has reported that the ‘air bubble’ arrangement will help restore the commercial air travel soon.

According to the report, Canadian national carrier Air Canada will start operating flights between New Delhi and Toronto on August 15 while the first returning flight will be on Tuesday. The arrangement will connect India to Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

Talking to HT, Indian High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria said that after the arrangement becomes operational, Canadians of Indian Origin who have an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card will be able to travel between the countries. He said that anyone who does not have this card will have to apply for an emergency visa.

The report said that the Canadian government sought permission from the Indian government last week to establish an air bubble with India. Bisaria said, “The two countries were prompt in establishing the air bubble. It adds to the convenience of Indian and Canadian citizens.

Under the Vande Bharat Mission, the Indian government has been able to bring back around 9,000 people of Indian origin from Canada via 50 flights. Similarly, the Canadian government has also operated 41 repatriation flights, HT reported.

This will be the fifth air bubble arrangement for India with a foreign country. India already has it with the US, the UK, Germany and France.