The government of India has extended the ban on international flights till 31 January 2021 due to the outbreak of Coronavirus spread across the world. This restriction will not apply to special flights and international air cargo operations. Aviation regulator DGCA gave this information on Wednesday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, “However, on a case-by-case basis, the competent authorities may allow flights for select routes.”
Regular international passenger airline has been suspended from 23 March due to Corona virus epidemic. However, special international flights have been allowed to operate to certain countries since May under the Vande Bharat Abhiyan and “Air Bubble” arrangements. India has signed an “air bubble” agreement with 24 countries including the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Bhutan and France. The DGCA also said that this would not affect the operation of the cargo planes. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Aviation has extended the temporary ban on UK flights to 7 January 2021 in view of the strain of corona virus spreading in Britain.
