Expect more Uae-india flights as travel demand soars

More flights between the UAE and different destinations in India will soon be taking to the skies, as travel demand rises in a post-covid world, an official has said.

“A far more robust demand will be driving more flights because, ultimately, it’s all a formula of demand and supply. We do look forward to many more flights working between both regions as we look at a post-covid world,” Rupinder Brar, additional director-general at India’s Ministry of Tourism, said during a press conference at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.

Asked whether Air Suvidha — the country’s online portal for self-declaration on a passenger’s health status — is here to stay, Brar said: “We first need to make sure that people are safe. I think that continues to remain everybody’s priority.”

“We’ve all been through a very difficult two years, and you don’t want any lapse in any kind of care. So, I think we must leave it to different authorities to plan as to what is appropriate... as the world becomes a safer place,” she explained.

One day, she said, Air Suvidha will eventually become “a thing of the past”.

At the ATM, India is being showcased as a ‘365-day travel destination’, with something to offer everyone, from culture to adventure, luxury, wellness, and medical tourism.

Discover India’s treasures

Several hidden gems in India are now becoming popular places for ‘cine tourism’, Brar said.

“Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir and Chhattisgarh, among others, are places that are coming up for not just tourism but also cine tourism. These host scenic waterfalls and nature parks,” she added.

“Many new locations in Kashmir itself are opening up and people can access interior locations in these states now. Today, there are film production units in the deepest areas.”

Locals have also been opening their homes to tourists who wish to experience how a Kashmiri lives, Brar said. “That’s the beauty of India.”

We need to make sure that people are safe. I think that continues to remain everybody’s priority.

Rupinder Brar

Additional director-general, India’s Ministry of Tourism