Canada has extended the ban on all direct commercial and private passenger flights from India until September 21, 2021.
An official release by Transport Canada reads, “Based on the latest public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada is extending the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India until September 21, 2021, at 2359 hours EDT. All direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India are subject to the NOTAM. Cargo-only operations, medical transfers, or military flights are not included.”
Omar Alghabra, minister of Transport of Canada tweeted:
Transport Canada is also extending the requirement related to third-country pre-departure Covid-19 molecular tests for travellers to Canada from India via an indirect route. As per this protocol, passengers who depart India to Canada via an indirect route will continue to be required to obtain a valid Covid-19 pre-departure test from a third country – other than India – before continuing their travel to Canada.
The official release also states that the Government of Canada will be working closely with the Indian government and aviation operators to ensure appropriate procedures are put in place to enable a safe return of direct flights as soon as conditions permit.