The Indian government has again extended the ban on international commercial passenger flights till August 31.

But as usual, the restriction shall not apply to international cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). However, travel will take place under the travel bubble arrangements done with select countries.

Last month, in the wake of a surge in Covid-19 cases across the country, the civil aviation ministry had extended the ban on international flights till July 31.

Prior to that, the earlier order had said the ban would be in place till July 15. The ban on international flights was extended even as capacity on domestic routes has been hiked to 45 pc from the earlier 33 pc.

To allow a gradual increase in the movement of passenger traffic during the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘Travel Bubble’ agreements were drawn with the United States, France, Germany and Kuwait. Air France and United Airlines of the U.S. have begun operating a limited number of international flights under the “air bubble” arrangements with India.

More similar arrangements are likely to fructify and ease passenger movements from different countries, the DGCA statement added.