By IT Correspondent
Delhi/Mumbai, June 27:
In the wake of coronavirus outbreak, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to suspend all scheduled international commercial passenger flight operations in the country till 15 July.
“The competent authority has decided that scheduled international commercial passenger services to or from India shall remain suspended till 2359 hrs IST of 15 July, 2020. However, the India may allow some international flights on selected routes on case to case basis”, a DGCA circular issued on Friday said and added that domestic travel will continue as scheduled.
Although national lock down began from 25 March, India suspended international flight operations from 23 March onwards, to curb the COVID-19 spread. Initially the ban was till 29 March. As the lock down was extended, it continued. After a gap of two months, the domestic flight operations resumed on 25 May, following the stringent measures. The domestic airlines have ferried close to two million passengers since then.
”Till 24 June, domestic airlines ferried 1.8 million passengers. Now to accelerate domestic passenger traffic growth, the Centre has decided to allow flights to more destinations. At present, the airlines are allowed to deploy only 33% of their total capacity.
To bring back the stranded Indians from across the world, the Central government started “Vande Bharat Mission(VBM)” on 6 May. Air India and several other private domestic airlines have been operating flights under VBM. Till now nearly 1.25 lakh Indians have returned to India from different countries.
In another development, the Supreme Court on Friday clarified that that there is no need to keep middle seat in aircrafts vacant. The apex court upheld the Bombay High Court order that had permitted all flight operators to allow passengers to occupy middle seats in flights. However, the airlines are required to strictly comply with DGCA guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The DGCA in its 31 May circular had said flight operators should try to keep the middle seat vacant. If it has been booked, then the passenger shall be provided with a wraparound gown in addition to the mask and face shield. However this decision was challenged and subsequently the Bombay High Court granted relaxation in this condition.
In the meanwhile except special trains, all other passenger train services in the country will remain suspended till 12 August 2020, the railway ministry stated. The money of those who have made rail booking for the period first July to 12 August, 2020, will be refunded.
