The government of India has decided to postpone plans for resumption for scheduled international flights from 15 December, after the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus mutant.
“In the view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variants of concern, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services will be notified in due course,” civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a notification.
India suspended international flight operations, effective 23 March 2020. This was periodically extended every month till 30 November, before the government on 26 November announced plans to resume scheduled international flight services.
India currently has air bubble agreements with as many as 30 countries—from Afghanistan and Bangladesh to Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the UAE, UK and US, among the others.
“Resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services with effect from 15 December 2021 would imply reversion to bilaterally agreed capacity entitlements and termination of air bubble arrangements. However, due to prevailing covid-19 situation, the capacity entitlements shall be as per the category of countries based on the enlistment of countries,” DGCA had said in 26 November circular.
International flights will continue under air bubble agreements, till further notification, said a senior DGCA official, who spoke under the condition of anonymity.
“Bookings (if any) made on scheduled international flights that was supposed to resume from 15 December will now have to be rescheduled,” the official added.
