International Flights to-and-from India Should Resume Soon
India and the world tackled the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways. From lockdowns to travel restrictions, from the masks becoming a part of our daily lives to being patient in line while maintaining social distance, people have adapted to this new way of living. The office workers started working from home, education became online, online shopping became a norm, and many such little things happened on a huge scale. But the industries, governments, and financial sectors definitely took a big hit. The airlines’ industry, in particular, is facing many issues in India but a silver lining has appeared for it with the GOI (Government of India) and the Aviation ministry talking about lifting the ban on the scheduled flights sometime soon. As the decision is not final so no date has been announced for last minute flights to India but after looking at the statements of people in authority, one can expect good news to come your way soon.
Flyopedia has brought you the latest information related to travel and tourism in India with amazing deals to make your travel cost-effective. Book air tickets from USA to India online with us at low airfares to make your trip to India inexpensive. Let’s have a look at the events that have happened and are of concern regarding the international and domestic flights in India.
Events Related to International and Domestic Flights
- India observed a nationwide lockdown in March 2020 and this halted all travel domestically and internationally.
- After monitoring the situation and with proper measures, the railways and roadways started operating with the airways also opening up but only for those nations which are in a bilateral bubble arrangement with India.
- The special flight schedules operated under strict restrictions both for airlines as well as passengers.
- The aviation ministry said to open the scheduled flights starting on 15 December 2021. The motion was rescinded with the threat of the new Omicron Variant. The lift of the ban on scheduled flights was postponed with no set date given.
- Domestic airlines operated 2,058 flights on Sunday as compared to more than 2,800 flights before the COVID-19.
- Presently the scheduled flights are halted till 2359 Hours (IST) of 28th February 2022.
- India is presently operating special international flights with the nations that have a bubble arrangement with India. The list of names includes the USA, Sri Lanka, Canada, Germany, Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the UAE. This means that Indians can travel to these nations and their residents can come here. The airport restrictions and guidelines must be followed for a safe journey.
- The airport and travel restrictions have been updated many times depending on the risk criteria and situation of the recovery as well as the infection rate of COVID-19. India has eased its travel restrictions starting 14th Feb 2022 and also has done away with the list of ‘At-Risk’ counties and special travel guidelines for them.
These are the important events that have happened in India since the pandemic started. If you are planning to book flights to/from India in March or April then it is advisable to book your flights early. Flyopedia offers the best-in-industry deals and discounts on the USA to Delhi flight tickets online for an exhilarating flight journey.
The sources say that the decision on resuming international flights will be taken after the domestic airlines start operating 80% or more flights as compared to the flights run before the pandemic. Below are some statements and information from reliable sources.
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) issued a circular for the continued suspension of scheduled international flights. The circular stated, “The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of February 28, 2022.” This does not apply to all-cargo operations and special flights already approved by the DGCA.
The Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his statement, said that “I am very confident that once we see domestic traffic again rising, we will work on ensuring that international traffic also receives the same impetus, of course, keeping health concerns foremost in our minds,”. This could be taken as an indication of the resumption of scheduled flights. With this, all the relevant information regarding the status of International Flights in India is now present with you.
Flyopedia hopes that you travel safely and comfortably. Since no exact date has been provided by the government, hence it is difficult to pre-plan your travel but you can book last minute flights to India as soon as the scheduled flights start.
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Also Read: Facts About India That Every International Traveler Must Know