Direct Flights Resumed To & From Canada & India, Delhi Connected First

Direct flights have finally been restarted by Air Canada, after almost five months. Delhi- Toronto non-stop flights are now working with a new protocol in place. WHO-approved vaccinated passengers must undergo an RT-PCR test or a rapid PCR test within 18 hours of boarding the flight from the COVID-19 testing center and Lounge at Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport.

Air Canada only accepts either of the two specific tests and no other tests from any other clinic in India will be accepted. This applies even when passengers are getting connecting airline tickets from a different city. Passengers may also be allowed to travel when they provide proof of a certified positive PCR test result, which is taken between 14 to 180 days before their scheduled departure flight to Canada. This is mentioned on Air Canada’s site for ‘testing requirements for flights from India.’

The requirement of the necessity of having a negative RT-PCR report from a third-world country has been removed entirely. The first post-resumption Toronto- Delhi flight AC 42 will land at destination Delhi at around 9 pm on Monday, to start to fly the passengers from Tuesday. Soon, Air India can start Delhi- Vancouver and Delhi- Toronto non-stop flights.

To add to the above rules and regulations, there are also the following conditions to be fulfilled by the passenger:

• All passengers must be double-vaccinated.
• Only these vaccines are recognized by Canada- Johnson/ Moderna/ Pfizer/ Covishield.
• All necessary documents must be uploaded here.

For detailed information and updates, please visit the Government of Canada’s website, as said by Air Canada to travel partners.

What Had Happened Before The Resumption Of Direct Flights To & From India And Canada?

During the ghastly 2^nd COVID-19 wave, Canada had suspended all private and commercial passenger flights from India on April 23, 2021. The restriction continued till September 21, 2021. This only left the option of traveling via a 3^rd country, where passengers had to get a COVID-19 negative test report from the 3^rd country, before continuing on their journey to Canada. This made air flights tickets prices skyrocket, making it difficult for passengers to travel to and fro.

What Happens Now That Restrictions Are Changed?

Now that Air Canada has listed new travel requirements on their website, passengers no longer need to travel via a 3^rd country. They can go directly to Canada from India and vice versa, provided they follow the regulations as set by Canada. Airfare to Canada also is stabilizing as lesser restrictions continue being placed.