Scheduled International Commercial Flights To Remain Suspended Till Jan 31, 2022, Announces DGCA

In view of the Omicron scare, the Union home ministry had stated that the decision on December 15 resumption of international passenger flights will be reviewed.

New Delhi: In an important announcement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday stated that suspension of Scheduled International commercial passenger services to and from India has been extended till January 31, 2022.

This comes after the Union government last month decided to resume the international passenger flights to and from India from December 15. However, Centre decided to review the decision as countries began reporting cases of Omicron, the new Coronavirus mutation termed as ‘Variant of Concern’ by the Word Health Organization.

“In partial modification of circular dated 26-11-2021, the competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of Scheduled International commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 31st January, 2022. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flight specifically approved by DGCA,” the official circular read.

“However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis,” it added.

(Photo Courtesy: ANI)

In view of the Omicron scare, the Union home ministry had stated that the government will review the decision on December 15 resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger service.

“Decision on effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passengers service, to be reviewed, as per evolving global scenario. Closer watch on emerging pandemic situation within the country will be maintained,” the MHA had stated.

Currently, international passenger flights are being operated in a restricted manner under bilateral air bubble arrangements with various countries.

As of November 24, India had formalised air bubble arrangements with 31 countries.

These arrangements provide air travel bubble arrangements to provide direct/indirect connectivity to more than 100 countries, Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh had told the Upper House recently, as reported by news agency PTI.

The International passenger services have remained suspended since March 23 last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, 23 cases of Omicron have been reported in India which include 10 from Maharashtra, nine from Rajasthan, two cases in Karnataka, one in Gujarat, and one in Delhi.