Flights from India to Australia paused: What this means for you

All passenger flights from India to Australia have been suspended as the country’s COVID crisis escalates. Here’s what you need to know.

All passenger flights from India have been grounded until mid-May after crunch national security talks, as the country grapples with the world’s worst COVID-19 outbreak.

Cabinet’s powerful national security committee met on Tuesday morning, agreeing to expand restrictions imposed on travel to and from India last week.

The country recorded 352,991 cases in a single day – the worst increase in any country since the pandemic began – as mass cremations sites were established in response to the mounting death toll.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the situation on the subcontinent as “truly heartbreaking”, confirming direct flights between India and Australia would be suspended until May 15.

Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s decision:

HOW BAD IS THE COVID SITUATION IN INDIA?

India, with its population of 1.3 billion, is battling a catastrophic new surge in infections, with hospitals overwhelmed and crematoriums working at full capacity.

It recorded 352,991 new infections and 2,812 deaths on Monday — the highest levels since the start of the pandemic — as the Hindu-nationalist government comes under fire for allowing mass gatherings such as religious festivals and political rallies across the country in recent weeks.

Since the pandemic began, India has recorded over 195,000 deaths and 17.3 million cases.

HOW MANY AUSTRALIANS ARE IN INDIA?

India is among the top five countries — among others including UK, USA, Thailand and the Philippines — where Australians are seeking to return, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Around 18,000 Australians in these countries have registered their interest to return home, with about 9000 in India alone.

“Australia stands by our friends in India in their time of need. The Australian Government is actively considering options for urgent support and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” a DFAT spokesperson said.

I AM IN INDIA AND WANT TO RETURN TO AUSTRALIA. WHAT CAN I DO?

It is now very difficult to return home to Australia from India given the federal government’s decision to pause travel between the two nations.

Mr Morrison said further flights from India would considered before May 15, and “vulnerable Australians” would be given priority.

The Australian High Commission in New Delhi warn travellers to be cautions of other charter flight options outside of those it provides updates on.

“Be aware: only flights we notify registered Australians about have the approvals required to operate,” the website states.

Those who want to leave India should register their interest with the Australian High Commission.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE AWARE OF WHEN TRAVELLING TO AUSTRALIA?

Once travellers can board flights from India again, they must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test to their airline when checking in for their flight.

The test must be completed 72 or less prior to departure, and applies to all travellers five years or older.

Mr Morrison said a rapid antigen test, which take just 15 to 30 minutes to produce a result, would also have to be completed before takeoff.

Those arriving in Australia must also complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine at their port of entry.

You may also be charged a fee for your stay in hotel quarantine. More information on this can be found here: NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, NT

WHAT IF I AM STUCK IN INDIA AND MY VISA IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE?

You can apply to extend your visa here.

WHAT IF I AM WANTING TO RETURN TO AUSTRALIA FROM INDIA AND MY PASSPORT HAS EXPIRED?

You must contact the Australian High Commission for more details:

Australian High Commission consular assistance

Business hours: [phone], [e-mail]

For outside of business hours: [phone]

CAN ANY AUSTRALIANS GO TO INDIA NOW?

On the government’s Smart Traveller website, there is advice saying “Do not travel to India due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel”.

“COVID-19 infection numbers are increasing rapidly across India. Lockdowns and curfews have been imposed in some major cities to curb transmission,” it states.

“Penalties may be imposed if you breach the restrictions. The ban on international commercial flights remains in place. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.”

WHAT ABOUT THOSE ON INDIRECT FLIGHTS FROM INDIA?

Mr Morrison said indirect flights through other cities like Doha, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur had been paused by their respective governments.

WILL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS EVER RESUME?

Mr Morrison said repatriation flights would resume as soon as possible and the most vulnerable would be prioritised on the first planes back.

“We don’t think the answer is to just forsake those in India and just shut them off,” Mr Morrison said.

“I don’t see this as a problem we have to solve, I see this as a group of people we need to help.”

- with Finn McHugh, AFP

Originally published as Flights from India to Australia paused: What this means for you