On December 23, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the signing of a Revised Air Services agreement between India & 2 Countries – Philippines & Afghanistan.
i.The agreement will help in creating an environment for enhanced & seamless connectivity between the air service carriers of both sides.
ii.Apart from ensuring safety & security, the agreement has the capacity to increase trade, investment, tourism & cultural exchanges with India & both the countries.
iii.The agreement is being seen as an important landmark in civil aviation relations.
Key Points:
i.Due to the Pandemic, all international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020. Only special flights are operating under the Vande Bharat mission under air bubble arrangements.
ii.At present, India has air bubble arrangements with more than 22 countries.
Air Bubble Agreement – It is an agreement signed between two nations, whereby they can operate special flights between their territories with some restrictions.
Air Service Agreement (ASA):
i.It is a bilateral agreement to allow international commercial air transport services between signatories.
ii.ASA has its basis under the Chicago Convention (also known as Convention on International Civil Aviation) which was signed in December 1944.
Ministry of Civil Aviation:
Union Minister – Hardeep Singh Puri
About Philippines:
Capital– Manila
Currency– Philippine peso
About Afghanistan:
Capital – Kabul
Currency– Afghan afghani
