New Delhi: Omicron has pushed back the resumption of scheduled international flights. They will now remain suspended till January 31, 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in an official circular on Thursday.
Expensive options under the air bubble – which India now has with 32 countries with the latest being Switzerland – will continue until regular flights resume.
India had last month announced the resumption of regular international flights from December 15. However, due to the Omicron version of Covid-19, the Center decided not to resume flights.
“This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and exclusively flights approved by DGCA international scheduled flights may be permitted on routes selected by the competent authority on a case to case basis,” the order said.
While deferring the reopening to December 15, the DGCA had said: “Given the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new forms of concern, the situation is being closely observed in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision which will then be taken.” Indicates the effective date to begin with. Scheduled commercial international passenger services will be notified in due course.”