Aviation sector may escape phase 2 lockdown, but restrictions apply: sources

Blockade of India: The aviation industry has been the most affected in the global blockade by the coronavirus.

New Delhi:

Drastic measures could soon be removed from the crucial aviation sector, the sources said, and the matter was discussed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with the chief ministers yesterday. National and international passenger air traffic stopped even before PM Modi announced the 21-day nationwide curfew closure on the afternoon of March 14. As of now, only cargo flights and special flights are operating.

Sources have now said that while the blockade is likely to extend for another two weeks, a recommendation has been made to facilitate it from the aviation sector.

When passenger operations resume, airports and airlines will be subject to severe restrictions to ensure there is no transmission of the coronavirus. Social distancing must be followed at airport facilities and on flights, which is expected to greatly increase ticket prices.

Along with security controls, passengers will also be checked for fever and those with temperature will not be able to enter the airport.

The aviation industry has been most affected in the global blockade by the coronavirus pandemic.

Recent data from the International Air Transport Association showed that demand for air passengers fell 14.1% worldwide last month compared to February 2019. “This was the largest decrease in traffic since September 11. “IATA global aviation association said in a statement.

In India, airlines have reduced fleets, reduced employee wages, or sent them to a mandatory gap year. However, cargo flights, offshore helicopter operations, medical evacuation flights and special flights have been allowed by the Indian aviation regulator DGCA.

The discussion about the revival of passenger flights comes as the government is planning to relax in certain sectors to ensure the survival of the economy.

Underlining the problem, Prime Minister Modi said yesterday: “In my first speech I said, ‘Jaan hai a jahaan hai (if there is life, the world will exist).’ Now we must look at Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi (life and the world) ”

After a meeting with the state’s chief ministers yesterday, the prime minister had indicated that relaxations would be allowed in the infrastructure sector, where the blockade hit the livelihood of thousands of migrant workers. The agricultural sector, crucial before the harvest season, is also expected to receive relief.

The Interior Ministry is also expected to present a list of sectors where the relaxations are likely to be allowed. This will include food processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and construction, but workers must follow strict social distancing.