Coronavirus travel updates
Times are tough for travellers. But with the world preparing to reopen in 2021, we’re here to keep you dreaming and planning for your next adventure – whether that’s a staycation or flying off to parts unknown. Until then, we’ve got the latest COVID-19 travel advice and updates to keep you up to date and ready to go.
We’re continually keeping this page up-to-date regarding the current outbreak of Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19. This page was last updated on 30 August 2021. To our knowledge, the information on this page was correct at the time of publication. Given the nature of the crisis, information will vary by location and change at short notice and over time. So whether you need it now, or in the near future, this page could be worth a bookmark.
We strongly recommend reading the Coronavirus travel advice from your local authorities and government bodies, such as the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, as well as the guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), a reliable and trusted source of global news and information.
Coronavirus travel restrictions and bans
Keeping in view the new Covid-19 strains, various countries have added India to their travel ‘red lists’ and have issued advisories against travel to India.
Government travel advice
The Government of India has extended the suspension of international flights until 30 September 2021.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, had started domestic flight operations in India from 25 May 2020, albeit in a calibrated manner. To ensure that airlines do not charge excessive fare, the government has classified sectors on the basis of the approximate duration of flights; the list of their minimum and maximum fares chargeable can be found here. To read the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s latest guidelines for air passengers, please click here and here. For the latest government directive on Covid-19 protocol during air travel, click here.
International travel from India
International flight operations have not resumed yet. To know the latest on lifting of visa suspensions for different categories, we recommend that you go through the guidelines set by The Bureau of Immigration. As of now, international flight operations shall remain suspended till 31 August 2021.
In case you are wondering where to go when travel restrictions are lifted, here is a quick guide to entry restrictions and quarantine requirements from around the world.
Latest information about airlines and Coronavirus flight cancellations
If you want to know about specific airline route information, as well as relevant Coronavirus travel cancellation, rebooking or refund policies, you can find all the latest news and travel updates on their websites, check with the International Air Travel Association or other sources such as guidelines on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation website. For information about the decision of the Supreme Court of India regarding refund on cancellation of air tickets during the lockdown period, click here.
Know more about your rights and claiming compensation if you’ve had a flight delayed or cancelled.
Turkish Airlines
View the latest updates on the Turkish Airlines website.
Flight cancellations
International flights to select cities started in June 2020. The Government of India has suspended international flights till 30 September 2021.
Change and cancellation policy
Turkish Airlines is offering Flexible Travel so that passengers can change plans without worry.
IndiGo Airlines
View the latest updates on the IndiGo Airlines website.
Flight cancellations
Domestic flights have resumed since 25 May 2020. International flights have been suspended till 30 September 2021 .
Change and cancellation policy
For cancelled flights, the booking amount may be used again in the form of a credit shell, valid for 1 year from the date of issuance for the same passenger. Passengers who had bookings for travel during the lockdown period from 25 March 2020 to 24 May 2020, are eligible for an interest on the amount held in the credit shell.
Air Asia
View the latest updates on the AirAsia website.
Flight cancellations
Domestic flights have resumed since 25 May 2020. International flights have been suspended till 30 September 2021.
Change and cancellation policy
Customers may convert the amount paid for a flight booking into a credit account which can be redeemed for a new flight booking in the next 730 days; or change the flight date without additional charges to any date before 30 November 2021.
Emirates
View the latest updates on the Emirates website.
Flight cancellations
Emirates is operating international flights to select destinations.
Change and cancellation policy
If you booked a ticket with Emirates before 1 April 2021 for travel on or before 31 May 2022, the validity of your ticket will be extended by 36 months. Tickets issued after 1 April 2021 will be valid for travel for 24 months. You can also request a refund.
Air India
View the latest updates on the Air India website.
Flight cancellations
As per Government of India regulations, Air India has resumed domestic flights with effect from 25 May 2020, but international operations remain suspended till 30 September 2021.
Change and cancellation policy
Air India is following government directives for refund on tickets purchased during lockdown period. For details, click here and here. Validity for all tickets has been extended up to 31 December 2021 as long as booking dates and travel dates do not cross 31 December 2021. Visit the website for conditions and details regarding free changes.
Ryanair
View the latest updates on the Ryanair website.
Flight cancellations
Ryanair is operating on a limited schedule.
Change and cancellation policy
Ryanair has dropped flight change fees for all new bookings made before 30 September 2021 for travel before 31 December 2021. This is applicable to all bookings made after 10 June 2020.
Qatar Airways
View the latest updates on the Qatar Airways website.
Flight cancellations
Qatar Airways is flying to multiple cities around the world, except to those with government restrictions. India will not be a destination till international flight operations resume, i.e., 30 September 2021.
Change and cancellation policy
Qatar Airways offers unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued before 30 June 2021 for travel completed by 31 May 2022. Tickets can also be exchanged for a travel voucher.
British Airways
View the latest updates on the British Airways website.
Flight cancellations
The airline is currently flying only to select destinations.
Change and cancellation policy
If British Airways has cancelled your booking you have the option of rebooking or claiming an online voucher to the value of your booking. If there is a change in your travel plans, British Airways gives you the option of changing your dates, destination or even cancelling, with no additional fees.
Etihad
View the latest updates on the Etihad website.
Flight cancellations
Etihad is operating flights to over 50 destinations in accordance with government directives.
Change and cancellation policy
For changed travel plans, Etihad is offering to rebook your flights at a later date for free. You can also cancel your trip and save it for later with Etihad credit. There is also a provision to request a refund or keep your ticket open. For more details, click here.
Air Arabia
View the latest updates on the Air Arabia website.
Flight cancellations
After cancelling most of its flights till 30 June 2020, Air Arabia is operating flights to select destinations and is set to return to a fuller schedule in accordance with government directives.
GoAir
View the latest updates on the GoAir website.
Flight cancellations
Domestic flights have resumed since 25 May 2020. International flights have been suspended till 30 September 2021.
Thai Airways
View the latest updates on the Thai Airways website.
Flight cancellation
After cancelling and rescheduling various flights in June and July 2020, Thai Airways is now flying to select destinations around the world.
Change and cancellation policy
Thai Airways is offering two options to customers. These include ticket validity extension and travel vouchers.
FAQs
While this is a fast-developing situation, here are four Coronavirus travel need-to-knows:
There’s lots of practical steps you can take. Regularly wash your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel), avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and stay at least a metre away from someone who is coughing or sneezing. Read more
First of all, call the airline, hotel or online travel agent you booked with. Not sure which company you used? You’ll see their name on your bank or credit card statement as well as the email you received from them to confirm the booking.
You’ll find more details, including contact information, on our help page.
Read more
Call the airline or online travel agent. With so many travel plans changed, it may take longer than usual to speak to someone who can help but keep trying. If the airline or online travel agent tells you that a refund isn’t available or they’ve stopped trading, it might be worth getting in touch with your credit card company if that’s how you booked. If you have travel insurance, get in touch with your provider as well.
It all depends on your policy. Check their website or give them a call to find out more.
For more answers to commonly asked questions on Coronavirus (COVID-19), click here. We have also responded to the top questions from our traveller community in a Q&A which is available here.
