Omicron: Regular international flights suspended until February 28; Air bubbles will continue – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Omicron has pushed back the resumption of scheduled international flights. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a circular on Wednesday that they will now remain suspended till February 28, 2022.
Expensive options under the air bubble that India now have with more than 30 countries will continue.
Regular international flights were suspended on 23 March 2020 due to the onset of COVID-19.
“This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and exclusively to flights approved by DGCA,” the DGCA order said.
Just before the arrival of Omicron, the government had announced a graded resumption of regular flights from December 15, 2021. However, this did not happen and expensive bubble flights are the only option for passengers till regular flights resume.
There is no clarity on when regular international flights will resume.
While deferring the reopening to December 15, the DGCA had said: “Given the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new forms of concern, the situation is being closely observed in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision which will then be taken.” Indicates the effective date to begin with. Scheduled commercial international passenger services will be notified in due course.”