India extends ban on scheduled international flights till 30 September

India has extended the Covid-induced suspension on scheduled international passenger flights till 30 September. This was revealed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The aviation regulator added that international scheduled flights on selected routes might be allowed on a case-to-case basis by the competent authority.

India suspended scheduled international flights on 23 March 2020, amid a spike in Covid-19 cases in the country at the start of the pandemic. However, India has been operating special international flights under its Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020. India has also agreed bilateral ‘air bubble’ arrangements with several countries since July 2020, allowing flight services to resume with these countries.

It has air bubble agreements with 25 countries such as the UK, the US, the United Arab Emirates, Bhutan, France, and Kenya. Under the arrangement, airlines can operate special international flights between the two territories.

The DGCA also said in the circular that the suspension would not affect international all-cargo operations and flights it had specifically approved.