India resumes regular international flights after 2 years | Covid-19

India has resumed regular international flight services after a 2-year gap induced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, 60 foreign airlines from 40 countries have been allowed to operate 1,783 weekly flights to and from India, while six Indian airlines will operate 1,466 flights weekly.

The Indian govt has also announced some changes in guidelines for international flights. The in-flight cabin crew will not be required to wear a full PPE kit anymore.

Flights will no longer need not keep three seats vacant for medical emergencies. However, the wearing of masks, the maintenance of hand hygiene, and usage of hand sanitisers remains mandatory.

The provision for pat-down searches whenever required by the airport security personnel has also been brought back.

Scheduled international passenger flights were suspended since March 23, 2020 in the wake of the pandemic and select overseas flights were being operated under bilateral air bubble arrangements with various countries.