Suspension of scheduled international passenger flights extended till Sept 30

The suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till September 30. However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis.

New Delhi:The suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till September 30, said Indian aviation regulator DGCA on Monday.

"In partial modification of circular dated 26.06.2020, the competent authority has extended the validity of circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger services to/ from India shall remain suspended till 23:59 hrs IST of 30th September 2020,"said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in a Circular.

The order further stated that this restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.

"However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," DGCA noted.

Scheduled international passenger services continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral air bubble arrangements with other countries since July.

As per the data provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 4,319 repatriation flights were operated by Air India group under the Vande Bharat mission till August 29, carrying over 5.74 lakh passengers.

(With PTI Inputs)