India extends international flights suspension till Sept 30

Union Government of India extended the suspension of international commercial flights to and from India till September 30 in the wake of Covid-19. However, the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations.

New Delhi: India on Sunday extended the suspension of international commercial flights to and from India till September 30 in the wake of Covid-19. The circular issued from the Civil Aviation department dated August 29 said that the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. International Scheduled flights permitted on selected routes by authority may be allowed, the circular said.

Restrictions on international commercial flights were scheduled to end on July 31, 2021. However, on July 30, it was further extended to August 31, as per reports. While reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, scheduled international flights were suspended on March 23, 2020.

India's Vande Bharat Mission flights have been plying to many places in the last year. During the mighty second wave of Covid beginning in mid-April, about 20 countries imposed curbs like flight suspensions from India and stringent norms for travellers.

The looming fear of the third wave of Covid-19 and reporting of the Delta variant of Covid in other countries has led to the extension of flight suspension, reports said.

As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday, 45,083 new Covid cases and 460 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours. Out of the total new Covid cases, 31,265 cases and 153 deaths were reported from Kerala on Saturday. While the nationwide inoculation drive against Covid continues, 63.09 crore vaccine doses have been administered till now, as per reports.