India extends suspension on international flights until ‘further orders’

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the suspension of regular international flights until further notice. The ban does not apply to air cargo operations.  

The decision comes despite a decrease in the number of new cases of COVID-19 across India.   

“The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till further orders,” an order from the DGCA reads. 

The Indian aviation regulator did not provide any further details. However, the order does note that there are certain exceptions to the ban.  

“This ban is not imposed on any all-cargo international flights and flights specifically approved by the DGCA. Also, the flights under the bubble arrangement will not be affected by this ban,” the order continues.  

International air travel in India was initially suspended in March 2020, when the pandemic first hit the country. The Indian government had considered reinstating scheduled international passenger flights from December 2021, but infection rates increased at the time. The ban was then extended until March 2022.