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India postpones resumption of int’l commercial flights from Dec 15


By BSS
Published : 01 Dec 2021 10:20 PM

India Wednesday decided not to resume commercial international passenger services from December 15 in the wake of emerging global threat of the new Covid-19 variant 'Omicron'. 

  "In view of the merging global scenario... the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course", according to a circular issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India on Wednesday.

  Earlier on Friday, the Indian government announced resumption of scheduled international commercial flights from December 15 after nearly 21 months. The latest move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 27 asked officials to review the plans for easing international travel restrictions amid concerns over 'Omicron'.

  Since no cases of 'Omicron' have been detected in India so far, the authorities have put in place stricter travel restrictions for international passengers at the airports.

  On November 29, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the situation was being closely monitored and reviewed in consultation with other ministries regarding "any further decision" on resumption of scheduled international passenger services.