Authorities appear to be preparing to halt commercial international flights scheduled for December 15 due to the arrival of Covid Omicron. A number of restrictions have already been imposed on incoming passengers, particularly those from “at-risk” countries, including rigorous testing and quarantine.
The director-general of Civil Aviation announced on Monday that the current “air bubble” system of operations will be maintained: In light of the evolving global scenario, an “appropriate decision” will be made in consultation with all stakeholders, and the effective date of scheduled commercial international passenger services will be announced, “in due course.”
Omicron appears as the second wave, powered by the virus’s Delta variant, fades.
Offices, shopping malls, and movie theatres had reopened, schools had reopened, domestic flights had resumed full service, and international flights had resumed normal operations.
The government announced on November 26 that scheduled international commercial flights will resume on December 15.
For more than 20 months, there were no international commercial flights, and passenger flights were only permitted to enter the airspace of one or more other countries if certain conditions were met.
Restrictions, on the other hand, were quickly reintroduced
The Center announced pre-arrival testing for passengers from more than 50 “at-risk” countries this morning. A negative outcome is required to leave the airport.
Passengers arriving from other countries will be tested in a 2% random sample as well. They can leave before the results are announced, but they must stay at home in isolation for at least a week and report any Covid-related symptoms.
Despite the government’s efforts, several airports have issued their own rules, causing a schism between the federal and state governments.
Maharashtra had confirmed this morning that six international passengers arriving from “at-risk” countries had tested positive for the Covid drug. A number of samples are undergoing gene sequencing.
