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The discovery of the COVID-19 virus’s Omicron mutant and subsequent increasing cases has prompted the Indian government to reconsider its plan to resume regular foreign flights. India has already stated that scheduled foreign flights would resume operations on December 15; such flights had been banned in the country since March 2020, with the exception of those allowed under air travel bubble conditions.
Now that there is conjecture about Omicron, a newly found COVID-19 viral mutation, the December 15 deadline may be extended even further.
The Home Ministry, after reviewing the current COVID situation, issued a statement, stating that, “Decision on effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passengers service, to be reviewed, as per evolving global scenario.” The situation was also reviewed by other related ministries, including Health and Aviation.
Following the discovery of the new strain, a number of countries throughout the world have restricted flights, particularly with some South African countries. A number of Indian states, including Delhi, have enacted mandatory testing of foreign visitors.