Question : Ban on International Flights

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has imposed ban on international flights during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has extended the ban on international commercial flights till the end of July 2021 and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government''s decision to waive off the tourist visa fee to five lakh tourists or till March end, whichever is earlier, has lost its significance in view of ban on international flights and if so, the Governments'' reaction thereto; and

(d) the other steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) and (b): As part of management of COVID-19 pandemic, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had suspended operations of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India with effect from 22/23 March 2020. On 30.06.2021, DGCA extended the validity of these restrictions till 31.07.2021 (total duration of more than 16 months). However, limited number of international flights under Vande Bharat Mission (VBM), including those under Air Bubble Arrangements, are operational as per mutual restrictions amongst both countries.

(c) and (d): The Ministry of Finance in June 2021 had announced that once Visa issuance is restarted, the first 5 lakh Tourist Visas would be issued free of charge. However, issuance of Tourist Visa to foreign nationals is still under suspension.;