India resumed international flights on Sunday after a gap of two years. The big move has been taken amid widening global vaccine coverage, the government said. Adapting to the world hit by the pandemic, the aviation industry faced many setbacks with new variants leading to the resurgence of Covid cases several times in the last two years. France, Germany, Italy, China, South Korea are among the countries that have been dealt a blow of fresh waves this month. India, however, has been witnessing a drop in cases after Omicron-driven third wave in January. The government had announced a ban on international flights in March 2020, which stretched for two years.
In new rules by the ministry of civil aviation, which were announced Saturday, cabin crew members are no longer needed to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and security personnel at airports can resume pat-down search of passengers when needed.
Airlines will no longer be needed to keep three seats vacant for medical emergencies, the government has said.
“Airlines may carry a few additional PPE protective gears, sanitizer and N-95 masks, to handle any respiratory infections related to cases on air, for passengers as well as the crew,” a statement read. The wearing of masks and the use of sanitizers is still mandatory.
The government had restored all categories of tourist visas for foreign nationals and also issued fresh visas earlier this month. “Currently valid e-tourist visas issued for five years shall stand restored to nationals of 156 countries with immediate effect,” an official statement said.
