New Delhi: India is unlikely to resume scheduled international flights from December 15 amid concerns over the highly transmissible Omicron Covid-19 variant. Aviation regulator DGCA said the effective date for resumption of flights would be notified in due course.
"In view of the emerging global scenario, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course," a statement by DGCA said.
Last month, the government decided to normalise international flight operations from December 15. Scheduled international flights to and from India have been suspended since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Currently, international flights are being operated under bilateral air bubble arrangements with various countries. India presently has air bubble arrangements with 31 countries.
The Omicron variant, designated as a "variant of concern" by WHO, has sparked a new wave of restrictions on travellers from various southern African nations by several countries.
So far, no cases of Omicron variant have been reported in India, the government has said.
Early indications are that this variant is possibly even more transmissible than the highly infectious Delta variant and that current vaccines may be less effective against it.
On Tuesday, strict guidelines for international passengers, especially those coming from 'at-risk' countries, came into effect. RT-PCR tests have been made mandatory for passengers arriving from 'at-risk' countries and they will be allowed to leave the airport only after the test results are out.