NEW DELHI: India on Friday extended the suspension on international commercial flight operations till May 31, 2021. Conversely, international passenger flights under air travel bubble arrangements will continue.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in its circular said, "In partial modification of circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the above subject... regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 31st May, 2021."

The circular said that the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.

Passenger air services were suspended on March 25, 2020 due to the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19. Domestic flight services, however, resumed from May 25, 2020.

Meantime, India witnessed the highest spike of 3,86,452 fresh cases of Covid-19 and 3,498 fatalities due to virus infection in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It was the nine consecutive day when India recorded more than 3 lakh cases while over 3,000 casualties have been reported for the past three days. On Thursday India witnessed 3,645 deaths, the highest fatalities in a day.

Covid out of control: Lahore tightens complete lockdown on Saturdays, Sundays

Lucknow: Corona-infected youth jumps from 4th floor

'Don't line up for vaccine from tomorrow, we don't have vaccine' - Arvind Kejriwal