New Delhi: In a major relief to stranded passengers in India due to the nationwide lockdown, Air India has resumed bookings to fly passengers in flights that are to be operated under Vande Bharat Mission.

In a statement issued on Twitter, the national carrier has said the repatriation flights will also be used to fly out passengers to United States, United Kingdom and Singapore. These flights will be start operations from 8th till 14th May.


The Vande Bharat Mission is the initiative under which Air India and Air India subsidiary Air India Express carry out operations of 64 flights in seven days to reach out to 14,800 stranded Indians from 12 countries. Both firms will handle the operations of these flights under the mission.

However, the airline is offering tickets to only those countries that have allowed passengers to enter the country. Of the 64 flights around 12 flights have been kept for the Gulf nations, but these countries have stopped any entry till now, as per reports.

Here are some points to check before you book the flight.

  • The national carrier has laid down standard operating procedure (SOP) for passengers who are expected to book the tickets on Air India flight.

  • Remember that passengers will be travelling on these flights at their own risk. You will be allowed to travel if you are a citizen of the destination countries.

  •  Also, Indian and foreign nationals will require a valid VISA of at least one-year duration of the country of destination. In cases of medical emergency or death in the family, nationals holding six-month visa can also be allowed.

  • Green Card / OCI Card holders.

  • The entire cost of travel will be borne by the passenger.

  • Before booking the tickets, you are required to recheck the eligibility for travel by referring to the conditions imposed by the destination country. You can travel only if you fulfil the conditions.

  • The passengers must ensure that they comply with all travel and health requirements of the country of destination

  • At the time of boarding the flight, passengers will have to undergo thermal screening as per health protocol. Only asymptomatic travellers would be allowed to board the flight.

  • Passengers have to directly bear the entire cost towards quarantine charges for at least 14 days at the time of arrival at the destination.

  • You have to follow the health protocol as issued during the time of travel including wearing masks, environmental hygiene, hand hygiene to be observed by airline staff, crew and all passengers,

  • All passengers have to download Aarogya Setu  app on their mobile devices.