March 9, 2022
3 mins read

After 2 yrs, int’l flights resume on Mar 27

India suspended scheduled international flights on March 23, 2020 and in July that year, opened an air bubble arrangement with 37 countries to and from which flights were allowed in a limited manner, reports Asian Lite News

Routine international flight operations will resume in India from March 27, the government said on Tuesday, lifting what will then be over two years of restrictions on air travel in and out of the country put in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

India suspended scheduled international flights on March 23, 2020 and in July that year, opened a so-called air bubble arrangement with 37 countries to and from which flights were allowed in a limited manner.

“After deliberation with stakeholders and keeping in view the decline in the Covid-19 caseload, we have decided to resume international travel from March 27 onwards,” civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, adding that “with this step, I am confident the sector will reach new heights”.

A statement by the ministry explained the decision further, adding that it was based on “the increased vaccination coverage across the globe”.

“The suspension of scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India, thus, stands extended only upto 2359 hrs IST on 26.03.2022 and air bubble arrangements shall accordingly be extended to this extent only,” the statement added.

The move also comes at a time when Covid-19 cases have reduced to record lows across several parts of the world, including India, after several waves tore through the global population, leaving a baseline immunity that further adds to the protection from vaccines.

The civil aviation ministry said that the international operations will be subjected to the Union health ministry’s guidelines for international travel, which can change from time to time.

According to ratings agency ICRA, the waning Omicron wave resulted in growth in domestic air passenger traffic by around 19% at around 7.6 million people in February 2022, compared to around 6.4 million in January 2022.

A statement by the ministry explained the decision further, adding that it was based on “the increased vaccination coverage across the globe”.

Airlines and travel industry stakeholders welcomed the step.

IndiGo’s chief executive officer Ronojoy Dutta welcomed the government’s decision to allow resumption of scheduled commercial international flight operations from India.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai8_vViEQrs

“This step will provide impetus to the economic recovery for the sector and the nation, with borders opening for tourists. We look forward to connecting our customers to the people and places they love. We will soon be announcing the schedule for our international destinations, in accordance with these new guidelines,” he said.

Ticket booking service providers said resumption of international commercial flights will help reduce the airfares.

“Resumption of international commercial flights will also regularise the demand-supply balance resulting in lower international airfares,” said Aloke Bajpai, co-founder and group CEO, ixigo.

“This is great news for all travellers and the industry, especially before the peak summer season. The demand for international travel is picking up in India and there has been a significant uptick in travel search queries for popular international destinations like Australia, Sri Lanka, US & UK,” Bajpai added.

President of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Rajiv Mehra said that even though the decision was on the cards, it is a big relief for the entire travel and tourism fraternity. “We look forward to the revival of international tourism in the country. To enhance the foreign tourist flow to the country, we urge the government to restore all visas that were issued earlier but were suspended due to the pandemic,” he said.

ALSO READ-Qatar agrees with Taliban on direct flights

Previous Story

Indian Navy to induct women cadets from NDA

Next Story

WW I vintage bunker found in Madurai college

Latest from -Top News

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay

India clears stealth fighter project

New execution model paves way for private sector involvement in India’s ambitious stealth aircraft programme; Army showcases next-gen drone warfare systems. In a landmark decision bolstering India’s defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath

ASEAN lauds India’s firm stance on terrorism

The ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s resolve to deepen collaboration with India—a comprehensive strategic partner—in security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India stands tall, proud and no one pushes it around: Kamboj

India’s open lines of communication to the West and to

Sindhu bags Syed Modi International title

The two-time Olympic medallist raced to a 7-0 lead inside