India has resumed domestic flights but international flights continue to remain suspended amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in many parts of the world.
The ban on international flights to and from India has been extended till August 31. The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday extended the ban on international flights which was scheduled to end on July 31. However, the DGCA said in its circular that, "International scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case to case basis."
However, this ban will not be applicable to dedicated cargo flights. The flights running under the Vande Bharat mission will continue their operations like before and flights operating under the bilateral air bubble pacts with selected nations will continue doing so.
DGCA has made the announcement at a time when a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hit the country as per experts and scientists. India has already resumed domestic flights but international flights continue to remain suspended amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in many parts of the world.
The scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that struck the world last year.
What is 'Air Bubble Agreement'
Special international flights have been operating from India under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020.
Under this mission, some international flights have been operating under bilateral 'air bubble' arrangements with selected countries since July 2020.
India has an air bubble pact with around 28 countries of the world including the US, UK, UAE, Kenya, Bhutan, and France.
Under an air bubble pact, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.
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