NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has lifted the ban on the number of flights and seats between India and Ukraine, presumably to allow students and professionals stranded in the eastern European country due to ongoing geo-strategic tensions with Russia to return home.

"In the Air Bubble arrangement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has lifted the restriction on the number of flights and seats between India and Ukraine," the Ministry stated in a statement. As a result, there are no restrictions on the number of flights or charter planes that can operate between the two countries.

"Due to increased demand, Indian airlines have been advised to enhance flight capacity. In collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Culture is assisting "Added the statement. The Centre had issued an advice urging Indians in Ukraine to leave the country, but there were no flights available before February 20, according to reports.

In light of the current situation in Ukraine, the External Affairs Ministry has established a control room to provide information and support to trapped Indians. A travel bubble agreement between India and Ukraine allows for a set number of flights per week. When international travel was halted due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the bubble agreements were signed.

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