India suspends international passenger flights till August 31

INDIA has extended the coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights till August 31, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Friday (30).

"However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the regulator said.

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, India has suspended scheduled international passenger services since March 23, 2020, but special flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020 and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with selected countries since July 2020.

India formed air bubble pacts with around 24 countries including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France, as per which special international flights can be operated between their territories.

The suspension will not affect the operation of international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.