India to resume international flights from March 27

India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to India from March 27, 2022, lifting the suspension after nearly two years.

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation said that international operations will be conducted to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health for international travel.

The move will allow airlines across the world to operate flights to India as per the original schedule. India was operating international flights only under the air bubble arrangement after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an official statement, India said that scheduled commercial international passenger services to and from India will be resumed once the world recognizes the increased vaccination coverage.

India was earlier planning to resume scheduled international commercial flights from December 15, 2021, but was pushed back further after the spread of the Omicron version of COVID-19.

Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India with effect from 27.03.2022. International operations will be subject to strict adherence to health ministry guidelines for international travel: Ministry of Civil Aviation pic.twitter.com/3dfVgTbrm0

— ANI (@ANI)
8 March 2022

International flight restrictions in India

India suspended scheduled international flights to and from India on March 23, 2020, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although domestic flights resumed from May 25, 2020, the suspension on scheduled international flights continued.

India negotiated air bubble agreements with some countries in July 2020 to operate international flights. India has since signed air bubble agreements with around 40 countries and is operating special passenger flights to those countries.

The last international flight suspension in India was extended on February 28, 2022. The resumption of regular international passenger services may bring relief to passengers in terms of flight availability and fares.