International passenger flights remain suspended till July 31

New Delhi, June 30: Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday said the suspension of scheduled international flights to and from the country has been extended till July 31 amid the coronavirus pandemic. In the wake of the pandemic, overseas flights were suspended in late March, while cargo flights and those approved by the DGCA have been permitted to operate.

"However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on select routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) added.

International flight services to and from India remain suspended since March 23 due to the pandemic. But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020, and under bilateral "air bubble" arrangements with select countries since July 2020.

India has formed air bubble pacts with around 24 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories.

The DGCA circular said the suspension did not affect the operation of international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by it.