International Commercial Flights Resumption Deferred Over Omicorn Fears

Considering the threat of infection looming with the new coronavirus strain Omicron, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on December 1, decided to delay the resumption of international flights, which was supposed to open up on December 15, until further notice. Commercial Flights Resumption Delayed 

The circular issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Director of Regulations and Information, Neeraj Kumar, cited, "In view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new Variants of Concern, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course."

The new strain of coronavirus has caused concern as an increasing number of countries report cases of Omicron. The new variant, according to health experts, might be able to evade one's vaccine immunity. Considering the number of vaccinated people getting infected, the question of whether Omicron is vaccine-resistant is still at large. It was first identified by scientists in South Africa and the case was reported in Botswana.

Last week on Thursday, the health ministry had put out a strict screening process of international travellers from infected countries and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi held meetings with the state chief ministers on the course that the country needs to take in terms of safeguarding from the new coronavirus strain.

The DGCI on November 29 revised guidelines to be followed for international arrivals. The international passengers will need to fill a self-declaration form on Air Suvidha Portal, which will keep a track of the travel history of the last 14 days of all the passengers arriving in India.

Separate holding areas will be demarcated at airports for people arriving from 'at-risk' countries in each airport and compulsory testing for coronavirus will be carried out.

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