You can now fly directly to Tokyo from Bengaluru through Japan Airlines' air bubble arrangement

Bengalureans can now fly non-stop to Tokyo (Narita) right from the Kempegowda International Airport, although under the Air Bubbles agreement between the Indian and Japanese governments. The first flight operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) landed at KIA on March 12.

The flights will operate during March and April. The Air Bubbles agreement between the two countries allows passengers with essential travel needs. However, these are not regular/scheduled services.

A spokesperson for JAL informed: “JAL announced plans to operate three extra section flights for those with essential travel needs on the following dates: JL753 on March 12, 26 and April 2; and JL754 on March 14, 28 and April 4.”

While JL753 operates from Narita to Bengaluru, JL754 operates from Bengaluru to Narita.

“These flights are subject to government approval. All travellers must abide by the entry restrictions/requirements enforced by the relevant government authorities,” the spokesperson added.

It may be recalled that JAL was scheduled to launch the inaugural flight services between Tokyo (Narita) and Bengaluru from March 29 last year.

However, this had to be shelved due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted international travel globally.

To help stranded Japanese nationals in Bengaluru, JAL had operated three repatriation flights during the lockdown. As many as 1,300 Japanese nationals had taken these flights.

If not for the Covid-triggered disruptions, Bengaluru would have had direct scheduled flights not only to Tokyo, but also Seattle and Munich as well. These were to begin last year.