India extends ban on international flights until August 31

India extends ban on international flights until August 31

India’s civil aviation regulator has confirmed that the ban on scheduled international commercial passenger services will be extended until August 31. In a circular issued to all airlines on Friday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that the ban will not be applicable to international cargo flights, as well as flights specifically approved by the DGCA. It added that international scheduled flights may be allowed on select routes on a case-to-case basis. All international scheduled operations have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020. Meanwhile, Dubai carrier Emirates has said that flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will remain suspended until August 7. The airline added that passengers who have been in these countries in the last 14 days will not be accepted to travel from any other point to the UAE. However, UAE nationals, holders of UAE golden visas and members of diplomatic missions who comply with updated Covid 19 protocols are exempt and may be accepted for travel to the UAE. Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad too has said that flights from India will remain suspended until August 2. The airline added that further extensions, if any, will be decided by the authorities.