DGCA extends suspension of international passenger flights till 30 April amidst Covid-19 [READ CIRCULAR]

The Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday. March 23, 2021 stated that the coronavirus -inducted suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till 30 April.

"However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the DGCA added.

Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with selected countries since July.

India has formed air bubble pacts with 27 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.

The DGCA circular further stated that the suspension does not affect the operation of international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it.

[READ CIRCULAR]