Omicron travel concern: India extends suspension of international commercial flights till Jan 31 2022
The decision has been taken in view of the concern posed by Omicron variant
New Delhi: The suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to and from India has been extended till 31 January next year, announced the office of the director-general of Civil Aviation on Thursday.
"The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of Scheduled International commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs 1ST of January 31, 2022," the circular read.
Earlier, India had announced plans to allow resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services from December 15 with certain conditions.
However, on December 1, the Directorate General of Central Aviation (DGCA) said it is "closely monitoring" the situation emerging out of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the final decision on the resumption of near normal international flight operations will be taken after consultation with stakeholders.
In the notification on Thursday, the DGCA extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till January 31, 2022.
"This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA."
It also said that scheduled international flights might be allowed on selected routes on a case to case basis.
India had banned the operation of international flights on March 23 last year to contain and control the spread of COVID-19. Flight restrictions, however, were later eased under air bubble arrangements with certain countries.