India Extends Ban on International Flights

The rising cases of COVID 19 Omicron variant across the globe have once again set the world in a tizzy and scheduled international flights are being cancelled or postponed once again. The travel industry which is already struggling for its revival is once again facing a tough situation. The Indian government has earlier announced that the international flights might resume from December but the Omicron variant put the plan to halt and ban on international flights was extended till 31st January.

Now, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a fresh notification according to which all international flights to and from India shall remain suspended till February 28, 2022. The existing air bubble agreement and cargo flights will continue to operate as earlier.

India has formed air bubble pacts with around 32 countries that include the US, the UK, the UAE and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.

The daily rising cases of COVID 19 are making a huge impact on the travel industry and now with the ban on international flights is making things even worse.

Airlines are suffering huge losses due to this and are hoping for a resumption of international flights so that they can recover from this and start afresh.