In March 2020, it became apparent that international flights in India will not operate anytime soon. Since then, Air India has been operating repatriation flights, and the Government of India has stitched up Air Bubbles with various countries. Non-stop flights are only permitted to these countries at the moment that has signed up Air Bubbles with India, and we have about 35 of these air bubbles.
India had planned to resume scheduled operations on December 15, 2021, but declared that they will “review” their decision in light of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV2 virus surfacing, and basically postponing the reopening of international commercial aviation. The review is complete, and the Government of India had come to a decision to extend the ban on international aviation opening up till January 31, 2022.
International Flight India Ban
The DGCA has now put up a notification further extending the ban till February 2022. The Air Bubble flights are excluded from this notification.
This is terrible news for customers, who might have looked forward to coming back to India after two years, with fares having already skyrocketed due to the paucity of flights for a while.
Air Bubble Flights will continue, as reiterated by DGCA.
In continuation to DGCA Circular No. 4/1/2020-IR dated 9.12.2021 on Travel & Visa Restrictions related to COVID-19, it is clarified to all concerned that all international flights under existing Bubble Agreements shall continue to operate till 31st of January 2022.
— DGCA (@DGCAIndia) December 9, 2021
Bottomline
India has once again extended its air travel ban. This means regular commercial air travel is off limits till February 28, 2022. I hope this time around this is the final timeline to reopening of operations and not just another extension.
What do you make of this International Flight India ban?
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And still no news of flights opening ! When will India make an announcement about tourist flights ? Now we have the madman Putin to contend with.
I think this is not a solution to shutdown, basically each and everyone knows that how to keep safe himself /herself and others as well. Virus will not go away in future as well so we have to learn or already learnt that how to live with this.
It is pure madness
While the world is opening up slowly , India is still trying to.play safe.
I feel sorry for the tourism industry in India
I dont know about yall, but I know many people traveling right now and I’m going in April.
It’s really heartbreaking for travelers and tourists to visit and travel India. Hope this get overs soon.
Its very good. Dont open till all are given booster 1,2,3,4,5,6 which can be completed only in 2035. Screwed by the Pharma gang , medical magia and drug dealers like Pfizer and boot lickers like you who dont fight the mafia but choose to get screwed
I am almost giving up hope of visiting India again. It’s impossible to plan anything. So disheartening