India Travel Update: India postpones resumption of international flights in wake of Omicron

Gulf Today Report

India has postponed its international flights resumption date in the wake of Covid-19 variant Omicron.

The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation emerging from the Omicron.

According to the Indian Civil Aviation authority, it is in discussion with parties in concerned with aviation service.

Civil Aviation authority said, “In view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variants of Concern', the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders."

"An appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled international commercial  passenger services will be notified in due course.

Previously, India had decided to allow the resumption of scheduled international commercial passenger services from December 15.

However, the government stated that there will be a calibrated recovery in the activities of countries recognized as "at risk" by the Union Department of Health.

There are more than 10 countries on the "at risk" list, including countries in Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana and China, among others.

Passenger air services were suspended at the end of March 2020 due to the national blockade aimed at controlling the spread of Covid-19. While domestic flight services resumed on May 25, 2020, international flight services were only maintained through bilateral “bubble deals”.

India has air bubble pacts with 28 countries.