India to resume schedule international passenger flights on Dec 15

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday said the scheduled international flights to and from India and "not at-risk" countries will be resumed from 15 December. As per this announcement, 14 countries are barred in light of the new Covid-19 strain as well as rising infection rates in these countries.The nations, which do not feature on the list, include the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Singapore.The decision has been reportedly taken in consultation with the Union Health Ministry, a circular issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation dated November 26 said.Scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the spread of Covid-19.However, special international passenger flights have been operating since July last year under air bubble arrangements formed with approximately 28 countries.