Since 23rd March, international passenger services in India have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, special international flights began operating after May, on the basis of bilateral 'air bubble' arrangements that the country inked with 20 nations. Under this pact, special international flights can be operated by airlines of two countries between their territories.
It is mandatory for passengers taking these flights to have a COVID-19 negative report. Most airports in India opened a testing facility on their premises for outgoing and incoming passengers.
Despite these measures, Indian airlines were blamed for carrying COVID-19 positive passengers. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority even asked Air India Express to reject COVID-19 reports from four labs in the country, after their negative reports proved to be false.
As international travel started picking up, there has been an alarming rise in the sale of fake COVID-19 test certificates, especially in Russia, the Middle East, Brazil, France and the UK. In November, French officials apprehended a group of people selling counterfeit test certificates at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport. According to media reports, the miscreants were demanding $180 to $360 to give them digital certificates of a negative result.
These practices underline that passengers are willing to travel with a manipulated document. It also exposes the massive health risk as passengers with these fake certificates can infect other travellers on what should ideally be a COVID-safe bubble onboard an aircraft. To tackle this challenge, British cyber technology company, VST Enterprises (VSTE), has launched a ‘Fit to Fly’ secure health passport. The V- Health Passport, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play, has been designed for cross border travel by air, land and sea.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Hotelier India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Hotelier India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eight Appeal
In conversation with Haninder Sachdeva, Managing Director and CEO, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, the promising, young brand on the hotel scene...
The Bleisure Bloom
What's shaping the future of business and leisure travel?
Lock & Key
All about choosing the right digital lock system in hotels...
Art Attack
Asilo, the rooftop lounge bar at The Westin Pune, is a beautiful oasis in the city.
Travel Tech
Several new technological innovations are now being employed to make travel hassle-free and this is a win-win for all stakeholders.
A 'Wild' Escape
The onset of summer is the best time to plan a holiday in the wild as this is the best season to spot wild animals.
Trail Mixes
A new favourite addition to the healthy snacking portfolio...
"The Ambanis specified a preference for eco-friendly accommodation!"
Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences, shares what went behind creating the most luxurious and eclectic tents in the grandest pre-wed festivities of the year...
"Our vision is a perfect fit for India!"
Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BWH Hotels, and Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and World Hotels, give us a glimpse into why they think so...
Three to TANGO
From an Unlikely to an Unstoppable partnership, chronicling the success story of Hotelivate.