According to reports, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has permitted domestic air carriers to operate 65 percent of its pre-COVID schedule. In accordance to May 28 reports, following the increase in the number of cases due to the second wave of COVID 19 pandemic, since June 1 the domestic air carriers were allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. Prior to June 1, the airlines in India ran with 80 percent capacity.
In the past year’s March, as India confirmed its first COVID 19 cases, the country banned all the operations of international and domestic flights. The international flights continue to remain suspended while the domestic flights were allowed to operate from the last May in a calibrated manner.
The airlines commenced its operations with 33 percent and later increased to 80 percent in the last year’s December. However, on June 1 the airlines operated with 50 percent as the country got hit by the massive second wave of the pandemic. At present, it again increased to 65 percent in accordance with its pre – COVID schedule. According to a report by News 18, on reducing the cap from 80 percent to 50 percent on May 28, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated, “in the view of the sudden surge in the number of active COVID 19 cases across the country, decrease in passenger traffic and passenger load (occupancy rate) factor”.
On Monday, the ministry issued a fresh order that modified the May 28 order notifying that 50 percent may be read as 65 percent capacity. It further stated that the 65 percent cap will be applicable till July 31, 2021, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, as cited by News 18.
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