The suspension of scheduled international passenger flights in the country has been extended “until further orders,” according to the country’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, on Monday. The suspension was extended until February 28 on January 19.
Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, scheduled international passenger flights in India have been suspended since March 23, 2020. However, under air bubble agreements formed with them, special passenger flights have been operating between India and approximately 45 countries since July 2020.
In a circular on Monday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (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 or flights specifically approved by the DGCA, according to the statement. Fights under the air bubble arrangement will be unaffected, according to the circular.
A day later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested that the Civil Aviation Ministry and the DGCA review their decision in light of growing concerns about the Covid-19 variant Omicron.