Even though the pandemic situation in India has improved, the aviation ministry on September 28 announced that the ban on international passenger flights will continue until October 31.
However, a notice issued by the Direct General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clarified that the restrictions do not apply to international cargo flights.
As per the notice, “In partial modification of circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the subject cited above regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of October 31, 2021. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.”
The notice also said that the international scheduled flights might be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis. The Civil Aviation Ministry has signed bilateral air bubble agreements with several countries, including the US, the UK, UAE, Bhutan and France.
International flights to and from these countries are allowed following the air bubble arrangements, irrespective of the travel ban imposed initially on March 22, 2020.
Indian travellers have been allowed to fly to 49 cities across 18 countries under the air bubble pacts since September.
The DGCA in August had extended the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights till September 30. Now it has extended the ban until October 31.
In the meantime, the United States is re-opening from early November to passengers who have received double jabs of the Covid-19 vaccine from India, China, and the United Kingdom, among other countries.
Previously, the US eased its travel advisory for India on August 16, 2021, reducing the restrictions to level 2, which is considered safe. The US authorities had taken this move because the Covid-19 situation in the South Asian countries had significantly improved.
After almost five months, Canada has finally resumed direct connectivity to and from India since September 27, while the UK is opening its borders to international citizens, including citizens from October 4. However, certain travel guidelines have been revised for passengers from India who are inoculated with SII’s Covishield vaccine.
Spain also allows tourists from India if they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their departure.
