Sources said a significant number of students from Punjab and Chandigarh, who have taken admission in Canadian universities, are taking indirect routes despite the high costs. Most of them are going via Germany, Mexico, Malaysia, Maldives, Serbia, Qatar and other countries. Airfares for these indirect routes are two to three times more than those for direct flights.

TORONTO - With the Canadian government extending the ban on direct flights from India till September 21 in view of the rising COVID-19 cases, students from the region are forced to shell out huge amounts to reach their destination.

Sources said a significant number of students from Punjab and Chandigarh, who have taken admission in Canadian universities, are taking indirect routes despite the high costs.

Most of them are going via Germany, Mexico, Malaysia, Maldives, Serbia, Qatar and other countries. Airfares for these indirect routes are two to three times more than those for direct flights.

Chanpreet Kaur of Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda has gone to Canada via Mexico a few days back. The travel cost her more than Rs 2 lakh. Another student from Punjab went from Delhi to Toronto via Frankfurt. He waited at the terminal for 28 hours, got a flight to Montreal and from there he boarded a train to Toronto.

The sources said amid the looming third wave fear, parents were in a hurry to send their wards abroad even if it came at an additional cost. Many others are wary of the risks involved. “Almost all students are travelling abroad for the first time. Most of them are at the mercy of agents,” said a parent whose son is all set to take a flight to Canada via Doha this week.

Parmeet Sethi, an immigration expert, said, “The students are worried about their future. The ban has added to their anxiety.”