India to resume scheduled international flights from March 27

After a two-year hiatus, India will resume regular international flights from March 27, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Tuesday.

India had suspended the scheduled international flights since March 23, 2020, due to the COVID pandemic.

However, special international flights have been operating between India and 37 countries since July 2020 under air bubble arrangements.

Air bubble arrangements will also stand revoked thereafter, he said.

In an air bubble arrangement formed between two nations, carriers of each country are allowed to operate a limited number of international flights to other's territory with specific restrictions.

According to the Union health ministry, India on Tuesday reported 3,993 fresh coronavirus infections - the lowest in 662 days.

In a statement, the MoCA said that international operations from March 27 will be subject to strict adherence to Union health ministry guidelines that were issued on February 10.

The suspension of scheduled commercial international passenger services to and from India, thus, stands extended only up to 23:59 hrs (Indian standard time) on March 26, 2022, and air bubble arrangements shall accordingly be extended to this extent only, the MoCA said.

Welcoming the government's decision, IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta "this step will provide impetus to the economic recovery for the (aviation) sector and the nation, with borders opening for tourists".

Dutta said the airline will soon be announcing the schedule for international destinations, in accordance with the new guidelines.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had on November 26, 2021, announced that India will resume scheduled international passenger flights from December 15, 2021.

Just a day later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the MoCA and the DGCA to review its decision in wake of rising concerns over COVID-19 variant Omicron.

On December 1, 2021, the DGCA revoked its November 26 decision without saying how long the suspension of scheduled international flights will continue.

Amitabh Khosla, India Country Director, International Air Transport Association (IATA) said India's decision to normalise scheduled international flights will support the recovery of the aviation and travel sectors, the economy as a whole, and satisfy the demand for air travel.

IATA represents some 290 airlines comprising 83 per cent of global air traffic.