NEW DELHI — India has extended the suspension of all international passenger flights until Aug. 31 as it battles a surge in coronavirus cases. India’s aviation regulator, Director-General of Civil Aviation, announced the decision on Friday in a statement. "The government has decided to extend the suspension on the scheduled international commercial passenger services to and from India up to Aug. 21, however, this restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA," the statement said. Earlier, the DGCA had on July 3 extended the ban on international flights until July 31 after it was suspended till July 15. According to senior government officials, the ban was extended because it was felt that it would take some more time for India to prepare before it can resume scheduled international operations. Meanwhile, the Indian government has approved more than 2,500 repatriation flights by foreign carriers to fly stranded passengers to and from India during the suspension period due to COVID-19 situation in the country, according to reports. Earlier this month, India’s Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had announced ‘Air Bubble’ agreements with the United States, France and Germany. Air France and American carrier United Airlines has operated limited flights to India from Paris and the US. — Agencies