Centre Allows Domestic Air Services By Non-scheduled, Private Operators

Mumbai: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Monday that domestic air services by non-scheduled and private operators, including fixed-wing, helicopter, and microlight aircraft, will come into effect from May 25.

“The government has decided to recommend domestic air travel by passengers from May 25, including domestic air services by non-scheduled and private (general aviation) operators (fixed wing/helicopter/microlight aircraft),” the ministry directs.

“Given the need for precautionary measures to be taken by various stakeholders during the COVID-19 epidemic, detailed general guidelines, guidelines to be followed by passengers and key stakeholders (airlines, airport operators, groundwork agencies, etc.) have already been issued by Ministry of Civil Aviation vide order dated May 21,” it added.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that 532 flights were operated on Monday on the first day of resuming domestic flights after suspension in view of the lockdown.

He said 39,231 passengers traveled by flights and the number would increase further with the resumption of operations in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Domestic flights were suspended in March due to a lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of coronaviruses. The country is in the fourth phase of the lockdown which will continue till 31 May.

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