Beijing: China has started permitting international flights after a two-year ban due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but there is no word yet on the resumption of air services to India, even after Beijing lifted a visa ban for Indian professionals and their families last month. China has further setup the procedures for those arriving into the country after reducing the quarantine time to 7 days in designated hotels followed by 3-day isolation at home from the previous 2-day isolation for inbound travellers.
The decision has prompted a huge increase in flights connecting China with other countries, especially the US, and the number of people travelling out of the country, touting it as a sign of China further re-opening its borders to the world. Since Covid pandemic, China has made one of its most substantial adjustments, as its embassies and consulates in in 125 countries announced policies to streamline procedures for people entering the Chinese mainland, adding that 2,025 inbound passenger flights were set to resume from early this week.
Over 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine, are reportedly stuck back home due to Covid visa restrictions. India submitted a list of several hundred students after China sought the names of those wanting to return immediately to pursue their studies. Stranded students from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia and several other countries have started arriving on chartered flights. China has permitted limited flight services, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal.
