International flights expected to return to normal levels by year-end: Govt

All international regular flight operations were grounded in March last year, as the country went into a Covid lockdown. The government only operated flights for repatriation missions and carrying essential goods, like medicines and food.

As the number of cases dropped and vaccination coverage increased, restrictions were gradually eased, with 'air bubble' arrangements negotiated with other countries.

A bilateral air bubble agreement allows the participating countries to operate flights between their geographical boundaries with some restrictions at a time when countries across the world have closed flight operations to and from various destinations to combat surge in Covid-19 cases.

Right now, India has 25 such arrangements.

Last week, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government was examining the process of normalising international flight ops while considering sufficient measures against a fresh wave of coronavirus infections.

"I am all for regaining our space in the civil aviation arena in the world and making a hub in India and for more wide body aircraft. We will get there but bear with me and trust me... I am on your side. We will work together but in a safe environment," he said at a public event.

Last month, domestic flights were allowed at full capacity after the government decided to lift restrictions imposed due to rising coronavirus cases.