Govt extends ban on international flights till July 31

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday extended the suspension of scheduled international passengers flights till July 31 owing to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the country.

"In partial modification to circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 31 July, 2021," read a circular issued by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

However, the restriction will not be applicable on cargo flights, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a circular.

Also, international scheduled flights can be allowed on selected routes on a case-to-case basis, the DGCA added.

The international flights to-and-fro in India has been suspended since March 2020 when the nationwide lockdown was first announced to trim the spread of COVID-19.

Later, the government started a special programme--Vande Bharat--to bring Indians stuck abroad.

A pact--Air Bubble--was also signed by the government with 24 countries to operate special flights between the two countries. (UNI)