The ban on international commercial flights has been extended by civil aviation regulator DGCA till end of October.

The extension of the ban during the festive season is likely to further impact the finances of the airlines, which have suffered badly during the pandemic.

However, the restriction doesn’t apply to international all-cargo operations, the official statement released by the DGCA said.

Besides, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case to case basis.

In a bid to control the spread of Covid-19 the government suspended the international commercial flights in March, 2020. Special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020 and under bilateral “air bubble” arrangements with selected countries since July 2020.

India has formed air bubble pacts with 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special flights can be operated.