India has officially asked the Canadian government to lift its ban on direct flights from New Delhi but many in Canada believe that the ban on flights from India should be extended till at least September as the Delta variant remains strong and will be imported into Canada as was the case with many positive COVID-19 passengers from India bringing the virus and variants to Canada.  The flight prohibition with India has been in place since April 22 and has been extended twice. And it should be extended again on July 21, many say.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

OTTAWA - India has officially asked the Canadian government to lift its ban on direct flights from New Delhi but many in Canada believe that the ban on flights from India should be extended till at least September as the Delta variant remains strong and will be imported into Canada as was the case with many positive COVID-19 passengers from India bringing the virus and variants to Canada. 

The flight prohibition with India has been in place since April 22 and has been extended twice. And it should be extended again on July 21, many say.

The request for early resumption of flights under the air corridor arrangement that came into place last summer was sent by India’s high commission in Ottawa to Global Affairs Canada, Canada’s foreign ministry, in the form of a formal diplomatic communiqué, a note verbale.

The current ban will expire on July 21 unless extended for a fourth time by the department of transportation. The original April decision came as India faced a devastating second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and due to fears in Canada over transmission of the Delta variant by air passengers.

India’s high commissioner to Ottawa Ajay Bisaria, who is visiting Toronto, told the Hindustan Times, “We have pointed out to the Canadian authorities that there is a huge demand and inconvenience to both Indian and Canadian passengers, particularly students. As well, we have pointed out the dramatic recovery in India and the drop in cases.”

Bisaria also held meetings with officials from Air India and Air Canada. Before the ban was enforced, the two national carriers were operating almost daily flights between New Delhi and the Canadian cities of Toronto and Vancouver. Both airlines are believed to be keen on resuming services at the earliest.

After meeting Air India’s representative in Canada, Bisaria tweeted, “Important to rapidly normalise mobility for economic recovery, for achieving normalcy in business and education.”

He also emphasised on “normal mobility” during a meeting with provincial leaders of Ontario, including cabinet minister Victor Fedeli and associate minister Nina Tangri.

But many health experts believe that it’s too early to lift the ban as the Delta variant is very potent and Canada risks widespread infection of the deadly variant as has been the case in the UK and US even after vaccination.

The communiqué focused on infection rates dropping in India, as the vaccination program has expanded and positivity rate has gone well below 5%. Comparing the two main hubs for the air corridor, an Indian official said while Delhi now has around 50 new cases each day for a population of nearly 20 million, the province of Ontario, where Toronto is located, accounts for approximately 150 every day at this time.

India has said that factual data, along with the inconvenience being caused to Indian and Canadian citizens should be factored in as the Canadian government decides on the ongoing ban.

Indian officials have also stressed on the difficulties being faced by students who wish to commence studies in Canada for the semester beginning in September and need to arrive well in time to prepare.

The suspension was originally announced on April 22 and was scheduled to last for 30 days. However, it was subsequently imposed for two additional periods of 30 days each, the latest of which will expire this month.