India extends international flight ban till August 31

The Government has further extended the Covid-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights till August 31, aviation regulator DGCA announced on Friday. International passenger services in India have been suspended since March 23 last year.

International scheduled flights may however be allowed on selected routes by competent authority on a case-to-case basis, said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Since May 2020, special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission.

The DGCA circular also said that the suspension does not affect the operation of international all-cargo operations and approved flights.

With select countries, flights have also been operating under a bilateral 'air bubble' arrangement. India has formed pacts with around 24 countries including US, UK, UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France.