DGCA extends ban on international passenger flights till June 30

The coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till June 30, Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Friday.

DGCA modified its previous order issued on June 26, 2020 extending the partial ban on the commercial flights. "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 1ST of 30th June, 2021," the DGCA circular read.

“However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the DGCA added.

However, it said that the Covid-related restrictions will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.

Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since 23 March 2020 due to the Covid-19pandemic. But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May last year, and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with selected countries since July.

India has formed air bubble pacts with 27 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.

However, given the rise of cases during the second wave of Covid-19, many countries have banned flights from India under the Air Bubble pact till the situation improves.

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• Covid-related restrictions
• DGCA
• flights
• international passenger
• cargo operations
• coronavirus