Flight restrictions to be lifted once Covid-19 is controlled: Hardeep Singh Puri

Apr 20,2020

Flight restrictions to be lifted once Covid-19 is controlled: Hardeep Singh Puri

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in a series of tweets that a directive was issued on Sunday to airlines, restraining them from doing open bookings from May 4.

On 18th April I again said "So far no decision has been taken to open domestic & international operations" & reiterated on 19th that "No decision has been taken so far to commence domestic & international operations." 

An advisory was also issued to airlines.

Since some airlines did not heed our advisory & opened bookings & started collecting money from flyers, a directive was issued to them on 19th April restraining them from doing so. 
They were also informed that they will be given sufficient notice & time to commence bookings.

A number of airlines had opened up bookings from May 4, following the tweet by the minister stating, “We can consider lifting restrictions on domestic and international flights thereafter”.

Indigo and Vistara stated that they would resume flight operations in a phased manner, post May 4. Air India had also opened up bookings of flights after May 4.

All domestic and international commercial passenger flights have been suspended for the lockdown period. Cargo flights and special flights that are permitted by the DGCA, can fly during the duration of the lockdown.

India extended its lockdown to May 3, after the Covid-19 situation continued to worsen in the country.

Currently, India has 17,265 cases of Covid-19.