Scheduled international passenger flights suspension extended to 30 April

The Directorate General of Aviation Regulatory of India (DGCA) said on Tuesday that the coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended to 30 April. “However, international scheduled flights may be permitted on a case-by-case basis on select routes by the competent authority,” the DGCA said.

Scheduled international passenger services in India have been suspended since March 23, 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic. But special international flights have been operating under the Vanda India Mission since May and under select bilateral “air bubble” arrangements with select countries since July. India has entered into an air bubble agreement with 27 countries including the US, UK, UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble treaty between two countries, special international flights can be operated between their regions by their airlines.

The DGCA circular also stated that the suspension does not affect the operation of international all-cargo operations and flights approved by it.