India Bans All International Flights Indefinitely: Only These Flights Allowed Now

The India’s Civil Aviation regulatory body, Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) has extended the ban on regular international flights, until further notice, as per the latest developments. 

Ban Extended On Regular International Flights

But not to worry as the flights that are operational under air bubble arrangements as well as international cargo flights will continue to operate as per the earlier schedule.

Here DGCA is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is a statutory body of the Indian Central Government to regulate civil aviation in India.

Further, the officials from the DGCA and the civil aviation ministry had proposed to lift the ban.

But, they are waiting for a nod from the ministry of health and family welfare.

It is crucial as they have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation.

Air Bubble Will Remain Operational

As we know that the ban on scheduled international passenger flights has been in place in India since March 23, 2020. 

Although, government has arranged special passenger flights under air-bubble arrangements.

The flights have been operating between India and approximately 40 countries since July 2020.

Moreover, the domestic air passenger traffic topped 3 lakh-mark and is now expected to cross pre-COVID levels soon.

As of now, India has air transport bubbles with 40 countries including Canada, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the US.

During January, the DGCA had extended the suspension on international flights from and to India,considering the rising Coronavirus cases across the world.

Now, it is expected that the Center could resume international flights from the end of March.

Or may be at the beginning of the summer schedule for airlines.

Aircrafts Equipped With Child Restraint Systems

Besides this, the DGCA is also asking airlines to install child restraint systems in their aircrafts.

As per this arrangement, the combination of a harness and safety belt will protect children or infants from injury or death especially during a sudden acceleration or deceleration, unanticipated or severe turbulence, or impact.

The DGCA has instructed all airlines operating in India to put in place a child restraint system in aircraft.

During the pre-COVID-19 period, Indian carriers used to operate close to 3,000 flights. 

While battling the impact of COVID-19 on the business, the aviation sector also has been seeking reduction in excise duty on aviation turbine fuel (ATF).