The coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till April 30, Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Tuesday. "However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the DGCA added. Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with selected countries since July. India has formed air bubble pacts with 27 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories. The DGCA circular also said that the suspension does not affect the operation of international .
In a circular, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA are exempted from the ban
International traffic is showing no sign of picking up and for Indian carriers, West Asia - a lucrative market - is still out of bounds
The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will come into effect from 23.59 hours on February 22 till further orders
"However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation added
The new rules are to take effect two weeks from the day they are signed by CDC Director Mark Redfield, which would be Jan 26
Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday the lifting of the ban on all international flights as well as land and sea entry, the Saudi Press Agency reported
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However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis
The minister expressed hope that the normal international air travel would resume in the first half of 2021
Rajiv Bansal adds that this is significantly lower than the cash loss incurred in 2018-19
The flight landed around 11.30 pm on Monday
Country's aviation safety regulator DGCA on Thursday extended the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger flights to December 31.
Earlier this month, the DGCA had extended the ban on scheduled international passenger flights till November 30.
The inaugural flight on left from Delhi at 6.30 am and landed at Dhaka at 9.20 am (local time)
These passengers shall be kept under institutional quarantine for a minimum period of seven days, the guidelines said.
The scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting mid-July, India has formalised air bubbles with 16 countries allowing Indian and foreign airlines to transport passengers in both directions
Hopes to capture travellers bound for Europe who want direct flights
In response to queries sent by the PTI, the BMVI stated it and the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation are "confirmed to hold bilateral talks on October 6 through video conference"