Amid Surge In Covid-19 Cases, Govt Extends Suspension Of International Commercial Flight Operations Till 30 April

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday (23 March) extended the suspension on international commercial flights till 30 April.

However, international passenger flights under air travel bubble arrangements will continue.

"In partial modification of circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the above subject regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 30th April, 2021," it said.

The circular said that the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.

Passenger air services were suspended on 25 March 2020 due to the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19.

Domestic flight services, however, resumed from 25 May 2020.

Earlier, the DGCA had notified that international passenger flight operations will resume on 31 March but now this date has been extended to 30 April 2021.

The development comes as the Covid-19 cases in many countries are witnessing a rapid surge. In India too, the number of active Covid-19 cases are rising, with states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are witnessing a sharp increase in fresh infections.