Muscat: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India has extended the suspension of regular international flights to and from India till 11.59pm IST (Indian Standard Time) on February 28, 2021. However, the restrictions will not apply to international cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA, namely the Vande Bharat Mission and flights operating under Air Bubble Agreement
Accordingly, only the designated carriers of Oman and India, namely Oman Air and Salam Air from Oman and Air India Express and Air India from India, can operate commercial flights.
Amended guidelines
For flights from Oman to India, the carriers can only carry Indian nationals stranded in Oman, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders holding Omani passports and, Omani nationals including diplomats, who hold visas issued by Indian mission in any category covered under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines and which have been amended since then from time to time.
For flights from India to Oman, the conditions stipulate that Omani nationals as well as resident cardholders can be transported by the airlines, along with Indian nationals holding valid residency permits but only if their destination is Oman. It is within the remit of the airlines to ensure the eligibility of the passengers to enter Oman and this must be done before the passenger is issued a ticket.
The operations will ensure strict adherence to the SOP issued by civil aviation authorities and other COVID-19 related guidelines issued by both the countries. As per the new guidelines, apart from a PCR test on arrival in Oman airports, another PCR test after seven days of quarantine is mandatory.
