The DGCA of India extended the suspension of scheduled international flights to and from the country till August 31.
However, this restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.
The DGCA said in its statement “The government has decided to extend the suspension on the scheduled international commercial passenger services to/ from India up to 23:59 hours IST of 31st August.”
Earlier after it was suspended till July 15, the ban on international flights was extended until July 31. However domestic passenger flight services resumed in the country from May 25, two months after the announcement of the lockdown and suspension of all scheduled commercial passenger flights in India.
According to senior government officials, the ban was extended as it would take some more time for India to prepare before it can resume scheduled international operations.
Indians returning home on repatriation flights from August 1 are being reminded that they must undergo a mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
It comes as the Ministry of Civil Aviation prepares to launch Phase V of its mission for repatriating Indian citizens, with a focus on the GCC countries.
One week of the fortnight’s quarantine is to be at institutions, paid for by the passengers, followed by a second week of “isolation at home with self-monitoring of health”, according to the country’s Civil Aviation Ministry.
Returnees may be allowed to home quarantine for the full 14 days in exceptional cases of human distress, serious illness, a death in the family, pregnancy and parents flying in with children below ten years of age, although this will be at the discretion of receiving states.
In these cases those under home quarantine will have to download India’s domestic health monitoring and tracking mobile application known as “Arogya Setu”.
A statement said: “On arrival, thermal screening would be carried out of all the passengers by health officials present at the airport. Passengers found to be symptomatic during the screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to medical facilities as per health protocol.”
