Before May 2021, some 40 weekly flights were operational between India and the US that came down to 10 weekly flights as the US banned travellers from India amid Covid concerns. Now, to facilitate the students’ needs, the airline has decided to add 11 more flights per week
Amid concerns from Indian students enrolled in US universities, Air India decided to increase the number of flights. Flight operations from India to US got drastically cut following May 2021 US decision to ban travelers from India over Covid-19 concerns.
Before May, some 40 weekly flights were operational between India and US that came down to 10 weekly flights. To facilitate the students’ needs, the airline has decided to add 11 more flights per week.
From August 7, there would be 21 flights operating between India and the US, giving big respite to many Indian students headed to foreign universities.
Increase in flight frequency is a big relief for the students as they would be able to join classes in this academic session even if they are late by some days or weeks.
“Air India will operate additional flights between New Delhi & Newark on 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th August ‘21. These are in addition to the existing flights operating on this sector,” said a tweet from Air India.
Despite increase in flight frequency, it would not be possible for all the students to join the fall semester on time because it would not be possible for the airlines – Air India and American carriers United and Delta – to accommodate all the students as per academic schedule. But yes, it is a big relief for the students that they would be able to join classes in this academic session even if they are late by some days or weeks.
Apart from Air India, American carriers United and Delta also operate between India and the US. The locations where Air India operates in the US are – New York (John F Kennedy), Newark, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco.
Vaccination and visa are some other issues that are causing travel barriers for the students headed to foreign universities.