Suspension of scheduled international passenger flights extended till June 30
image credit : the wire
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Friday international passenger flights will remain suspended till June 30 but the restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the aviation regulator. The ban has been in place since March last year.
The DGCA issued a new notice on Friday informing that the ban on international commercial passenger flights has been extended till 30 June.
The DGCA statement said, “In partial amendment to the circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority issued the validity of the circular issued on the above mentioned subject in respect of scheduled international commercial passenger services to / from India at 2359 hrs. Has extended till 30th June, 2020 IST. This restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.
“Although international flights may be allowed on selected routes on a case by case basis by the competent authority,” it further stated. The DGCA also requested an extension of the ban and strict adherence to its exceptions.
Scheduled international passenger services in India have been suspended since March 23, 2020 due to the coronavirus epidemic.
But special international flights have been operating from May 2020 under the Vanda India Mission and from July 2020 under bilateral “air bubble” arrangements with select countries.
India has entered into an air bubble agreement with about 27 countries including the US, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Bhutan and France.
Under an air bubble agreement between the two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their regions.
The DGCA’s Friday circular also stated that the suspension does not affect international all-cargo operations and specifically the flights approved by it.
About The Author
