Indian aviation authorities said on Wednesday commercial international flights to and from the South Asian country would remain suspended until February 28 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A circular issued by the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the restriction would not be applicable for international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.

“In partial modification of circular dated November 26, 2021, on the subject (Travel and Visa restrictions related to COVID-19),

“The competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 23:59 p.m. local time of February 28, 2022,’’ the order issued by India’s civil aviation watchdog said. “However, flights under air bubble arrangement will not be affected.”

Commercial flights were suspended when India imposed a complete nationwide lockdown late in March 2020 to contain the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Domestic flights resumed operations in the country on May 25, 2020, after nearly two months of suspension.

International flights continue to remain suspended.

However, Indian authorities have been operating special international flights since May 2020 and under bilateral “air bubble’’ arrangements with select countries since July last year.

(NAN)