India extends ban on international flights 'until further orders'
What's the story
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday said it has extended the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights to and from India until further orders. The ban was supposed to end on February 28. Scheduled international passenger flights have remained banned in India since early 2020 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Context
Why does this story matter?
There were expectations that the government may relax some restrictions on international flights as coronavirus cases across the world have continued to decline. Notably, the ban will only affect regular commercial international passenger flights. India already has "air bubble" arrangements with several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and France to operate special flights to and from these countries.
Quote
What did the DGCA say?
"The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till further orders," the DGCA said in a circular issued on Monday. However, the ban will not be applicable on international cargo operations and flights that have been specifically approved by the civil aviation watchdog, the circular added.
History
India's earlier plans to revoke ban
In November last year, the DGCA had announced that India would resume scheduled international passenger flights from December 15, 2021. However, it later reviewed the decision in view of the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which triggered outbreaks around the world. On December 1, 2021, the DGCA officially withdrew its November order.
Situation
India's COVID-19 situation
On Monday, India added 8,013 new COVID-19 cases, marking a drop of 22% from Sunday's case count. Meanwhile, the death toll climbed to 5,13,843 after the addition of 119 fatalities, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. India's daily coronavirus cases have remained under one lakh for three weeks now. The country recently saw a third wave peak of nearly 3,50,000 daily infections.