India and Malaysia have both scheduled a timetable for international travel to resume.
India will resume regular commercial international passenger services to and from the country on March 27, 2022, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
“After having recognized the increased vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India from 27.03.2022, i.e. start of Summer Schedule 2022,” the Indian aviation regulator announced in a statement dated March 8, 2022.
India’s international borders would now be accessible to foreign passengers from any country.
In order to avoid the spread of COVID-19, the Indian government has suspended all scheduled international commercial passenger flights as of March 23, 2020. Due to subsequent waves of infections around the country, the suspension was prolonged several times.
The Malaysian government has made a similar move to reopen international borders.
Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob stated at a news conference on March 8, 2022 that the country will fully reopen its borders on April 1, 2022, when the country transitions to the COVID-19 endemic phase.
All required quarantine restrictions for Malaysia’s vaccinated citizens would be lifted as well. Foreign visitors will, however, be required to perform a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test two days prior to their trip to Malaysia, as well as a Rapid Test Kit-Antigen (RTK-Ag) test within 24 hours of their arrival.
“I believe [the reopening of international air travel, ed.-] has been long-awaited by the people. This announcement will also boost the economy as a whole, in particular the tourism industry that has been badly affected by the pandemic. Most importantly, Malaysia is now a destination that is open and can be visited by all,” Ismail Sabri Yaakob added.
Malaysia’s borders were closed in April 2020, and all foreign passenger flights were halted.
