Aviation regulator DGCA has said that the suspension of scheduled international flights to and from India has been extended till September 30 as the government announces Unlock 4.0. Earlier, the overseas flights were suspended till July 31 and has been under suspension since March 23.
"The competent authority has further extended the suspension on the scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India up to 2359 hours IST of 30th September," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement. This restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.
"However, this restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA," the statement further read. This means that government will continue operating flights under the travel bubbles that the Government has established with countries like US, Germany, Dubai, UK, Canada and France among other countries. More of these bilateral air bubbles will be announced soon.
“To allow gradual movement of passenger traffic during the Covid-19 situation, ‘transport bubble’ agreements have been signed with USA, France, and Germany. Recently, ‘transport bubble’ agreement has also been signed with Kuwait to uplift stranded passenger both to/from India. More similar arrangements are likely to fructify and ease passenger movements from different countries,” a statement issued by DGCA earlier mentioned.
India is currently operating cargo flights, domestic flights, international flights under Vande Bharat Mission and international flights under air bubble pacts to facilitate travellers' movement.
