India is set to lift its ban on scheduled international passenger services on March 27, two years after most flights were axed during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities in the country have decided to relax restrictions because of the growing vaccination programme around the globe.
Some flights between India and the UK continued to operate despite the suspension as part of a bilateral agreement between Boris Johnson's government and the Indian authorities. Under this scheme, India established deals with select countries to operate flights between participating nations.
However, normal scheduled routes did not operate and services were limited, but this arrangement will cease on March 27 when flights resume.
To be allowed entry to India, most travellers must submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal and upload a negative PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours before the journey, or upload a certificate showing they are fully vaccinated.
It has not been necessary for fully-vaccinated British travellers to produce a pre-travel test or to undergo quarantine when visiting India since early February.
A statement by India's Civil Aviation Ministry reported: "After having recognised the increased vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India from 27.03.2022, i.e. start of Summer Schedule 2022."
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