Despite the extension of the ban on international flights from India, the Delhi International Airport is reportedly ready to embrace the ‘new normal’ as and when the situation improves, and usher in new international routes. Here’s what we know. By Bayar Jain
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As per reports by The Economic Times, authorities at Delhi’s international airport have claimed to be ready for travels in the post-pandemic world and are prepared to embrace the ‘new normal’ when the time comes. A major reason backing this claim is the fact that the airport currently caters to many travellers incoming from different parts of the world, all of whom have to undergo various safety measures. In fact, as per a report by the Business Standard, the airport has catered to 92 flights carrying a total of 8,000 passengers in the past two months. Moreover, the report also states that the airport is now connected to 73 international destinations – including 28, which were not connected earlier – due to the ongoing repatriation efforts underway by the government. This lends itself to the possibility of new regular flights operating in destinations.
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“These destinations, including several long-haul countries, are Accra in Ghana; Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in New Zealand; Brisbane in Australia; Cairo and Marsa Alam in Egypt; Jakarta and Denpasar-Bali in Indonesia; Zhengzhou in China; Shymkent, Atyrau and Karagandy in Kazakhstan; Moscow Oblast in Russia; Dublin in Ireland; Ankara in Turkey,” says an airport official to The Economic Times.
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Notably, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently extended the ban on international flights from India till July 15. The ban was slated to be lifted on June 30 following a temporary suspension of these flights on March 23, 2020. Currently, only cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA (such as the repatriation flights under the Vande Bharat mission) are allowed to function.
Related: Will International Flights Resume From July In India? The Aviation Ministry Responds