International flights to remain suspended till Oct 31, Vande Bharat to continue: DGCA

suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger services to and from India has been extended till October 31,  country's aviation regulator said on Wednesday soon after Centre issued fresh relaxations under 'Unlock 5'.

In its order,  Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said restrictions shall t apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by regulator. Moreover, 'Vande Bharat' flights and special arrangements me by government under 'air bubble' agreements with foreign countries shall continue.

Scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since March 23 due to coronavirus-triggered lockdown. However, special international passenger flights have been operating in country under Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral air bubble arrangements formed between India and or countries since July.

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Unlock 5 guidelines

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday furr relaxed lockdown restrictions and has w allowed functioning of cinema halls, atres, and multiplexes with upto 50% of ir seating capacity from October 15.

Business to business (B2B) exhibitions, swimming polls for training of sportspersons, entertainment parks, and similar places will also be permitted to open for which government has issued standard operating procedure (SOP).

Social/acemic/sports/entertainment/cultural/religious/political functions and or congregations have alrey been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones only. w State/UT Governments have been given flexibility to permit such garings beyond limit of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones, after October 15, which will be subject to following conditions:

• In closed s, a maximum of 50% of hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for rmal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.
• In open s, keeping size of ground/ in view, and with strict observance of social distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, provision for rmal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.

lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in Containment Zones till October 31, MHA said.

(PTI Photo)

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