COVID-19: International flights suspended till August 31

India on Friday extended the suspension imposed on international commercial flights till August 31.

"In partial modification of circular dated June 26, 2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the above subject... regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to or from India till 23:59 hrs IST of August 31, 2021," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said. India suspended all flights last year at the onset on March 25, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While domestic flights resumed from May 25, 2020, international flights continue to be suspended. The suspension, however, does not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.

Furthermore, international scheduled flights are allowed on certain routes. "However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis," the circular added.