NEW DELHI, March 7: Exactly after two years and four days, India will resume international flights from March 27 and revoked the present air bubble arrangements. India on Tuesday lifted the ban on international flights which were suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown since March 23, 2020.
“After having recognized the increased vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India from 27.03.2022, i.e. start of Summer Schedule 2022,” read a statement from the Civil Aviation Ministry.
Air Bubble arrangements, which allow two countries to operate flights into each other’s territories subject to certain conditions, also stand revoked, announced Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Special international flights have been operating between India and 37 countries since July 2020 under this arrangement. The Bubble arrangement hurt airlines’ operations and their profitability.
Just 3,993 fresh coronavirus infections – the lowest in 662 days – were recorded in India on Tuesday, according to the Union Health Ministry. The international operations, said the Aviation Ministry, will have to follow the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare guidelines for international travel. The aviation watchdog, Directorate General of Civil Aviation or (DGCA), had earlier suspended operations on March 2020 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
(Manas Dasgupta)