India to review decision to restart scheduled international flights from Dec 15 due to Omicron concern

NEW DELHI Nov 28: The Union home ministry on Sunday informed that the decision on the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passengers service will be reviewed as per evolving global scenario.

“Decision on effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passengers service, to be reviewed, as per evolving global scenario,” the Ministry of Home Affairs tweeted.

“Genomic surveillance for variants to be further strengthened and intensified. Airport Health Officials (APHOs) and Port Health Officials (PHOs) to be sensitized for strict supervision of testing protocol at airports/ ports,” the ministry added.

Decision on effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passengers service, to be reviewed, as per evolving global scenario.

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 28, 2021

The government will also review the standard operating procedure on testing and surveillance of the incoming international passengers, especially those travelling from countries listed in the ‘at risk’ category.

Government to review Standard Operating Procedure on testing & surveillance of incoming international passengers, especially for those countries identified ‘at risk’ category.

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 28, 2021

The decision was taken after an urgent meeting chaired by the home secretary on Sunday.

Following high level review by the Prime Minister on new COVID Variant of Concern ‘Omicron’, urgent meeting was chaired by Home Secretary today at 11.30 a.m.

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 28, 2021

Decision on effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passengers service, will be reviewed, as per evolving global scenario.

Decision on effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passengers service, to be reviewed, as per evolving global scenario.

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 28, 2021