August 7, 2020
The portal allows passengers to fill out self-declaration documents and apply for quarantine exemption
The portal will improve documentation on international passengers and their medical history
This initiative will support India’s established air bubbles and encourage international travel
DIAL and MoCA plan to support all key Indian airports in adopting similar safety procedures
In aid of international travel to India, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has announced a unique online portal that allows travelers to preemptively fill out all mandatory self-declaration documents and conveniently apply for exemptions from mandatory institution quarantine requirements upon arrival. According to an official release on August 7, these online facilities are products of a collaborative effort between DIAL, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Governments of various states and union territories across India.
These measures will support India in establishing air bubbles with several countries, offering passengers safe and contactless alternatives to travel procedures. Additionally, the online portal will provide Government officials with better access to information regarding the medical history and condition of international passengers, improving overall efficiency and streamlining air travel processes. Statements on the development from senior officials at DIAL and MoCA emphasised the objective of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of global citizens traveling to India while supporting airports across the country in achieving the same.
Earlier this year, the Government had started the Vande Bharat Mission, one of the largest initiatives to repatriate nationals back to India. Under this mission, coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of External Affairs, and various State Governments facilitated a total of 64 flights to 12 countries, including the US, the UK, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, the UAE, and Malaysia, to repatriate 14,800 Indians in its first phase alone. With several countries enforcing subsequent lockdowns and travel restrictions, the many-phased initiative has provided Indians in over 98 countries with a means of returning home.
As of July 15, over 687,00 Indian nationals had successfully returned to the country, with Phase 6 scheduled to begin on September 1, as the Government continues to facilitate safe air travel to India for all passengers.