India extended the pause on international flights until the end of August.
The country’s Director-General of Civil Aviation once again extended the suspension until 31 August but all-cargo and repatriation flights can continue as planned.
It comes as the Indian government agrees tentative ‘transport bubble’ arrangements with the US, France, and Germany.
It also has an agreement with the UAE and Kuwait and is in talks with other nations.
According to the Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri, a similar agreement is expected soon with the UK, allowing for two Delhi-London round trips per day.
India banned all international flights on 23 March just a couple of days before the government imposed a complete lockdown across the country.
Limited domestic flight operations restarted in late May.
Puri said domestic flight capacity will gradually grow to about 60% of pre-pandemic levels by November.
The ministry said a cap on airfares may be extended further beyond August.
by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
