India Extends Ban On Scheduled International Flights Till 31 October

The Directorate General of Central Aviation (DGCA) has decided to extend the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till 31 October, considering the Covid-19 scenario.

In a notification issued on Tuesday (28 September), the DGCA said, "In partial modification of circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 31st October, 2021".

The DGCA, however, added that the restriction "will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the regulator."

The aviation regulator said that scheduled international flights might be allowed on selected routes on a case to case basis.

The Central government had banned the operation of international flights on 23 March last year to contain and control the spread of Covid-19.

Flight restrictions, however, were later eased under air bubble arrangement with certain countries. India has formed air bubble pacts with about 25 countries.

The country has been operating Vande Bharat flights to many countries over the last one year.

(With inputs from IANS)