All International Flights Banned Till November 30 Due To Coronavirus; Flights Allowed Only Under Air Bubble

Not very good news for abroad travelers as the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been further extended.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the flight suspension is now extended till November 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Extension Of Suspension For International Flights

“Although, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis,” Said the Indian aviation regulator in a circular. 

Since March 23, almost seven months as the scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India.

However, under the Vande Bharat Mission,  special international flights have been operating since May. 

Under the Vande Bharat Mission, the bilateral ‘air bubble’ arrangement is made with selected countries which started operation in July.

So far, India could manage to form the air bubble pacts with over 18 countries which includes names like the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France.

Special international flights can be operated by their airlines between two countries’ territories, as part of this arrangement. 

This suspension does not affect the operation of international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it as mentioned by DGCA in the circular. 

While international flights relaxation taking time, the scheduled domestic passenger flights have already resumed in the country from May 25 after two months of suspension.

Seventh Phase Of Vande Bharat Mission

With the conclusion of the sixth phase of Vande Bharat Mission, Air India has announced a list of flights and its schedule for Phase 7 of the Vande Bharat Mission on Tuesday.

According to this new schedule, Air India will be operating 122 flights under Phase 7 of the Vande Bharat Mission.

Which is scheduled to commence from October 29 and ends on November 30.

Under phase 7 of Vande Bharat Mission, there will be more destinations, flights, and bubble arrangements, said Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Civil Aviation Minister.

As part of this phase, Air India will operate repatriation flights between India and Addis Ababa, Adelaide, Cairo, Colombo, Kuwait, Muscat, Nairobi, Rangoon, Rome, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sydney, and Wuhan under phase 7 of the VBM.

You can check the full schedule for the international flights from here.