International flights to and from India have been suspended until December 31 this year in view of the coronavirus pandemic and the planes will fly only on select routes depending on the case, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a circular. Thursday. However, the restrictions do not apply to operations and international flights exclusively for cargo specially approved by the DGCA, he added. The extended suspension comes at a time when the country’s Covid-19 count has soared to more than 9.26 million, while 135,223 people have died from the disease.
“In the partial amendment of the circular dated 06-26-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the aforementioned issue regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to / from India to 11:59 p.m. on December 1, 2020 “. The DGCA said in a notification ‘Covid-19 related visa and travel restrictions’.
The aviation regulator had previously extended the suspension of international flight operations until November 30, and the similarity allowed the planes to fly on select routes. However, special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral “air bubble” agreements with selected countries since July.
India has formed air bubble pacts with around 18 countries, including the US, UK, UAE, Kenya, Bhutan, and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, their airlines can operate special international flights between their territories.
Scheduled domestic passenger flights resumed in India on May 25 after a two-month hiatus amid the pandemic situation.
(With contributions from the agency)
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