Dubai: The expatriates in Kerala will have to wait more as the suspension on flights from India to UAE has been extended until further notice. UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has said that the status quo remains and that they are closely monitoring the situation in India.
In a Notice Issued to Airmen (NOTAM), GCAA said that the flights from India and other 13 countries, including Liberia, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Uganda, Zambia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and South Africa would remain suspended.
Flights from Indian cities were expected to resume on June 23 after Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management tweeted saying passengers from India with a valid residence visa who have received two doses of vaccine approved by UAE, will be allowed to travel.
Based on this information, Emirates opened flight booking but closed it within an hour. FlyDubai and Indigo airlines also had started preparations for conducting flights from June 24.
With the decision to extend the suspension of flights, many Keralites who came home are finding it difficult to return with many even fearing the loss of jobs.
Though many airline companies had planned to resume services from India from June 23, they could not do so due to uncertainties pertaining over certain Covid restrictions.
An Air India official had told Manorama Online on June 22 that no decision had been taken on flight services as the authorities concerned had not given the necessary instructions.
Suspension of inbound passengers from India was first announced on April 24 for 10 days and was later extended.
