Omicron forces India to stop resumption of international flights

The resumption of international flights from December 15 had been kept on hold due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation: DGCA

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India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that the resumption of international flights from December 15 had been kept on hold due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation.

With Omicron spreading its tentacles fast, India’s reaction has been fast. In an official circular issued by the DGCA, the government said that the “situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders”.

The circular said: “In view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of the new Variant of Concern, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course.”

The DGCA announced updated guidelines which mandated travellers to provide their detailed address and share all necessary details on the Air Suvidha portal before arrival to India

However, the Vande Bharat flights will continue to be operated. Many countries around the world including Israel, Japan, Australia have announced to ban international regular flights from other nations. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had released new guidelines for international arrivals, with stringent testing, tracking and quarantine measures for visitors from ‘at risk countries’.

The DGCA announced updated guidelines which mandated travellers to provide their detailed address and share all necessary details on the Air Suvidha portal before arrival to India.

Meanwhile, the state governments have also reacted to Omicron. Maharashtra and Goa announced stringent measures for travellers including mandatory RTPCR test on arrival for all international arrivals and mandatory quarantine for passengers from at risk countries. Other states also have put similar restrictions in place.

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