India decides to extend ban on scheduled international flights until October 31

As per latest reports, India has decided to extend the ongoing ban on scheduled international commercial flights until October 31. The decision comes amidst the ongoing pandemic that continues to be a matter of concern around the world. The news comes after a circular was released from the office of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
The circular also said that this suspension does not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights that are approved by the DGCA. A statement by the DGCA said, “International scheduled flights may be allowed on select routes by the competent authority on case to case basis.”

The DGCA has been extending the suspension of scheduled international flights since last year, ever since the pandemic first broke out. Only last month, the suspension was extended until September 30.

The circular read, "In partial modification of circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 31st October, 2021. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA," the notice reads.

Currently, international flights are operational between India and international destinations on the basis of air bubble agreements. The country is connected with 18 countries worldwide, and airlines are operating flights with complete COVID protocol in place.