Considering the continued reduction in COVID cases and rise in domestic air passengers in the country, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday permitted all scheduled domestic flights to operate with full capacity from October 18.
There is a sequential monthly rise in domestic air passenger traffic in India since July. Keeping a view on this, the administration planned on withdrawing all the current capacity restrictions on flights across the country.
In order to follow Covid protocols, the number of passengers was restricted by the aviation ministry. At present, the flights are operating at 85% capacity which was a mere 50% in June and July. This limit was increased in August till 65% and then to 85% which is set till now.
This step has been taken by the aviation department with an aim to bring back the normalcy in flight operation during the festive season.
Following COVID guidelines mandatory during the travel
The Civil Aviation Ministry order cites, “After review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations vis-a-vis passenger demand for air travel in terms of purpose specified in the initial order dated May 21, 2020. It has been decided to restore the scheduled domestic air operations with effect from 18.10.2021 without any capacity restrictions”.
As per the order, in order to keep a check on the spread of the covid virus, the airlines must confirm strict obedience to the covid guidelines. Also, the airport operators must confirm there is COVID appropriate behaviour is carried out during the travel.