Direct flight to Canada likely from September 27

Bathinda, September 23

Canada has extended the ban on flights from India till September 27 and further decision will be taken on the basis of the tests on passengers arriving from New Delhi on three flights, which landed in Canada on Wednesday.

Transport Canada has announced an extension of the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India until September 26 at 23:59 EDT.

Once the restriction expires, travellers eligible to enter Canada will be able to board direct flights from India only after producing a negative Covid-19 molecular test from the Canada-approved Genestrings Laboratory at the Delhi airport taken within 18 hours of the scheduled departure of their flight. It is learnt that no other test from any other clinic will be accepted, even if someone is connecting from a different city.

Prior to boarding, air operators will make sure that fully vaccinated travellers have uploaded their information on the ArriveCAN mobile app or website. Travellers who are unable to meet these requirements will be denied boarding.

Those entering Canada via an indirect route will continue to be required to obtain, within 72 hours of departure, a valid negative Covid-19 molecular test report from a third country, other than India.

The resumption of the direct flight to Canada after five months will be a huge relief to Indians, who were opting for a transit route spending more than Rs 3 lakh per person. — TNS