India to resume regular international flights from March 27

The resumption of “scheduled commercial international passenger services” or regular international flights coincides with the start of summer schedule (for international air travel) in India.Scheduled international flight services have remained suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.However, special passenger flights have been functioning between India and nearly 40 countries since July 2020 under air bubble arrangements.According to India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the regular international flight operations will follow the standard operating procedures effective at Indian airports for foreign arrivals and departure."After having recognised the increased vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to and from India from March 27, when the summer schedule takes effect," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.Delhi-based prominent aviation analyst Ashwini Phadnis told Gulf Times the resumption of “scheduled commercial international passenger services” would be a boon for thousands of passengers including those flying on the India – Qatar sector. “Given the pent up demand and the manner in which flights under the existing bubble arrangement were seeing huge traction among passengers, a return to the bilateral system will surely see more passengers take to the skies. “The timing of the opening on the cusp of the Indian holiday season will see flights doing very well. The announcement will surely be welcomed by soccer crazy Indians as now they can travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in November / December of this year,” Phadnis said.Currently, Qatar Airways, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Vistara operate flights between various destinations in India and Doha.