Scheduled international passenger flights to remain suspended till Jan 31: DGCA

The announcement came days after it was decided that the resumption of scheduled international passenger flight operations would begin from December 15. The new move by the DGCA follows concerns over the Omicron variant

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India’s airline regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced that scheduled international passenger flights to and from India have been suspended till January 31 next year. The announcement came days after it was decided that the resumption of scheduled international passenger flight operations would begin from December 15. The new move by the DGCA follows concerns over the Omicron variant.

After more than 20 months, India had finally decided that commercial international flights would start from December 15 barring flights to/from 12 countries, which are at risk of spreading the virus. But with Omicron spreading fast, DGCA mentioned on December 1, “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.”

India has air bubble arrangements with 32 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France

And, on Thursday December 9, a DGCA circular noted, “The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to and from India till 2359 hours of January 31, 2022. The restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.” The circular also said, “In continuation to DGCA Circular No. 4/1/2020-IR dated 9.12.2021 on Travel & Visa Restrictions related to COVID-19, it is clarified to all concerned that all international flights under existing Bubble Agreements shall continue to operate till 31st of January 2022.”

India has air bubble arrangements with 32 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France.

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