Regular International Flights may Resume from March 15

Regular global flights are expected to resume from March 15 and could observe the usual working techniques at Indian airports for overseas arrivals and departures.

With the consistent decline in Covid cases, a decision on resuming scheduled international flights has almost been taken by the Civil Aviation Ministry following consultation with the Health Ministry. However, no official announcement has been made yet by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The ban on scheduled international passenger flights has been functioning between India and in 40 countries since July 2020 under air bubble arrangements. The Health Ministry has issued revised guidelines for international arrivals. 

Apart from upholding a negative RT-PCR report, taken 72 hours before the journey, there is an option to upload certificates of the completion of the full primary Covid vaccination schedule provided from countries on a reciprocal basis.

Also, the demarcation of countries ‘at-risk’ and other countries has been removed. Accordingly, the need for giving samples on the port of arrival and waiting till the result is obtained from countries at risk has been dispensed with.