In a new order approved by the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the ban on international flights until December 31 amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.
Only selected flights will be allowed on a case-by-case basis, the DGCA order said.
The notification, entitled ‘Travel restrictions and visas related to COVID-19’ said: “In partial modification of the circular dated 06-26-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the aforementioned subject previously on passenger services to / from India until 2359 on December 1, 2020. “
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“This restriction will not apply to operations and international flights exclusively for cargo specifically approved by the DGCA,” the order said.
“However, scheduled international flights may be allowed on routes selected by the competent authority as appropriate,” the statement added.
Earlier this month, the DGCA had extended the ban on scheduled international passenger flights until November 30. “However, regular international flights may be allowed on routes selected by the competent authority on a case-by-case basis,” the DGCA said in its circular.
International flight ban: how can you travel?
Anyone who wants to travel to foreign countries will have to rely on air bubble arrangements. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, their airlines can operate special international flights between their territories. As of now, India has air bubble pacts with around 22 countries. These are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and United States .
Special flights operating under the Vande Bharat mission
The country has been operating special international flights under the Vande Bharat Mission since May this year. Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
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