Qatar-India air bubble deal extended till December 31!

Air bubbles agreement between Qatar and India to operate special flights to both countries has been extended to December 31. Earlier it was till October 31st. In the meantime, if regular flights are started, the contract period will be extended until then. This was announced by the Indian Embassy in Qatar.

The Airbubble deal, which paved the way for Indians to travel to Qatar during the Kovid crisis, came into effect on August 18. Earlier, the contract was extended till August 31 and later till October 31. This is now set for the end of December. As per the agreement, Indian Airlines and Qatar Airways are currently operating services to both countries. The agreement was signed by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. The total number of seats is shared by Indian companies and Qatar Airways. Any Indian with a Qatar visa can return to Qatar. Qatari nationals can also travel. However, travelers must travel to Qatar only. From August 1, Indians whose IDs have expired will return to Qatar with a re-entry permit.

The permit must be applied for through the Qatar portal https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/qsports/home. Qatar has waived the fee for visa holders. From August 1, Indians with expired IDs will be allowed to return to Qatar with a re-entry permit. However, the return of Indians was uncertain as India extended the ban on flights to other countries till August 31.

There were strong demands for a separate agreement between the two countries. This was followed by the Air bubble Agreement. Many Indians are returning to Qatar after the MoU was signed by both countries. Many people, including Malayalees, have now returned.