New Delhi

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday extended the ban on commercial international passenger flights till February 28 amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

In a circular issued by DGCA, it said that the competent authority has decided to extend the suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 23.59 hrs IST of February 28, 2022. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.

However, flights under air bubble arrangement will not be affected. All authorities concerned have been asked to ensure strict compliance.

International passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the pandemic.

Earlier, on December 9, the DGCA had extended the ban till January 31.