Aviation regulator DGCA has said that the suspension of scheduled international flights to and from the country has been extended till November 30. Earlier, the overseas flights were suspended till October 31 and have been under suspension since March 23.
A notice issued by the DGCA stated that the restrictions shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.
The notice also stated that the international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis.
India has formed air-bubble pacts with around 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan, and France. Under an air-bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories with specific restrictions.
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India however reopened for tourists earlier this month. India has begun granting fresh tourist visas to foreigners starting October 15. The Union home ministry earlier in October also allowed foreign tourists to enter the country by flights other than chartered aircraft starting November 15.
The MHA said that the decision was taken in a bid to boost the slumping tourism sector and help the economic recovery. The tourism and aviation sector were among the largest casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic.
(With inputs from ANI)
