DGCA cautions against booking schedule international flights, except those under Vande Bharat

NEW DELHI: India has strongly cautioned its people against making schedule international flight bookings — except those under Vande Bharat Mission being operated by Indian carriers led by Air India and other designated special repatriation flights being organised by missions of foreign countries here. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned “the presumption” on which some airlines, both Indian and foreign, have started taking bookings for schedule international flights is “misplaced” till a formal decision is taken on resuming the same. It has asked “gullible” passengers “not to fall for the trap”.
A number of international airlines, including the biggest European and Gulf carriers, recently started offering schedule flights to and from India and are taking bookings for the same from July. Some Indian carriers have been doing the same. This despite the fact that India has made it clear that resumption of schedule foreign services will depend on a number of factors. For now, these flights are suspended till the month-end.
DGCA chief Arun Kumar told TOI: “The government of India has not decided on reopening of international operations and therefore all presumption is misplaced. Airlines booking (international) ticket from July 1 are taking a chance and in the process hurting gullible passengers. Ideally airlines should wait and make firm commitment to their passengers. In any case, passengers should also check before falling for the trap.”