The domestic aviation sector will reach pre-Covid daily flight and passenger numbers between Diwali and New Years, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri said. On October 2, a total of 1.76,601 domestic passengers were served by all airports together and 1,536 flights were operated.
Here’s everything you need to know about post-Covid domestic operations:
1. Domestic flights were suspended on March 25 when a nationwide lockdown was imposed to combat the spread of Covid-19.
2. The aviation sector is one of the sectors most affected by the blockade.
3. After a two-month hiatus, domestic flights resumed on May 25, with various restrictions in place.
4. Airlines were asked to fly only 33 percent of their pre-Covid capacity.
5. The Center fixed the airfare so that airlines do not overcharge passengers. Airline tickets are limited to Rs 2,000-18,600. The fare cap still exists.
6. Initially, only one piece of check-in baggage was allowed on domestic flights. No meals would be served on board.
7. Over time, these restrictions have been relaxed. Airlines are now operating at about 60 percent of capacity. Airlines have been asked to revert to their pre-Covid baggage rules. Packaged meals are now also available on domestic flights.
8. Several state governments have not yet allowed airports to return to their pre-Covid daily arrival and departure numbers.
9. In August, the West Bengal government banned flights from six high-risk Covid-19 cities. In the days of local blockades, all flights were banned.
10. Still, the growth in national figures has been encouraging, as passengers are now convinced that flights are safe, said the Union minister.
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