Scheduled International Passenger Flights To Remain Suspended Till 'Further Orders': DGCA

Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, when the Coronavirus outbreak was reported in the country.

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New Delhi: The suspension of scheduled international passenger flights in India has been extended ''till further orders'', aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Monday.

This comes as the suspension was extended till February 28, as announced on January 19.

In a circular on Monday, the DGCA stated: ''The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till further orders.''

This restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flight specifically approved by the DGCA, it mentioned, as reported by news agency PTI.

Fights under air bubble arrangement will not be affected, the circular added.

Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, when the Coronavirus outbreak was reported in the country.

However, special passenger flights have been operating between India and around 45 countries since July 2020 under air bubble arrangements formed with them.

On November 26, 2021, DGCA had announced that India will resume scheduled international passenger flights from December 15, 2021.

However, in wake of rising concerns over the COVID-19 variant Omicron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the Civil Aviation Ministry and the DGCA to review its decision.

On December 1, 2021, the DGCA revoked its November 26 announcement without mentioning how long the suspension of scheduled international flights will continue.

(With Agency Inputs)