Three direct flights from India were due to arrive in Canada yesterday as a trial ahead of the lifting of a flight ban from the country that has been in place since April. The restrictions were intended to be lifted Sept. 21 but were extended until next week.

On the trial flights Wednesday, all passengers were to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival to ensure that the new measures are working, said Transport Canada.

Canada had restricted all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India due to the emergence of the delta variant in the country, however the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) measure will now expire 23:59 EDT on Sunday (Sept. 26).

Once the restriction on direct flights expires, travellers eligible to enter Canada will be able to board direct flights from India to Canada with the following additional measures:

• Travellers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test from the approved Genestrings Laboratory at the Delhi airport taken within 18 hours of the scheduled departure of their direct flight to Canada.

• Prior to boarding, air operators will be checking the travellers’ test results ensuring they are eligible to come to Canada, and that fully vaccinated travellers have uploaded their information into the ArriveCAN mobile app or website. Travellers who are unable to meet these requirements will be denied boarding.

After the resumption of direct flights, travellers who are eligible to enter Canada who depart India for Canada via an indirect route will continue to be required to obtain, within 72 hours of departure, a valid negative COVID-19 molecular test from a third country – other than India – before continuing their journey to Canada