DGCA extends suspension of international passenger flights in India till February 28

Aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on January 19, announced the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights to and from India till February 28, 2022. While scheduled passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 2020, several special passenger flights are under operation between India and 40 other countries since July 2020. These aviation services are being regulated under an air-bubble agreement to ensure COVID security

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pin_description="" dam="1" site_id=20074994 caption="Official press release by DGCA" original_size="1484x1760" photo_credit="" expand=1] Official press release by DGCA

In a circular released by the govt officials on Wednesday, the DGCA stated, "The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of February 28, 2022." The restriction shall not apply to the international all-cargo operations and flights that are specifically approved by the DGCA, the order highlighted.

The decision has a clear impact on the public's travel plans, be it for leisure or business purposes. "It's getting difficult for us to get visa and now with flights getting suspended we're having a lot of trouble to plan an international trip. While COVID security is essential and bio-bubbles are important, this puts a lot of things on slow tracks for a lot of people.", said Deviena Srivastava, a marketing official who has to travel frequently for her job.

Earlier on November 26, 2021, the DGCA announced the operations of all the scheduled passenger flights to and from India. However, the decision was revoked on December 1, 2021, after the central government asked the agency to review the decision in wake of rising covid concerns.