Domestic airlines in India return to operate at full capacity from 18 October

In a big move that will bring normalcy in domestic flight operations, the aviation ministry in India has lifted all restrictions on the number of flights airlines can operate.

“After review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations vis-a-vis passenger demand for air travel in terms of purpose specified in the initial order no 01/2020 dated 21.05. 2020, condition laid down in para 2 of the order… It has been decided to restore the scheduled domestic air operations with effect from 18.10.2021 without any capacity restrictions,” the government said in an order on 12 October.

The order also said: “The airlines/airport operators shall, however, ensure that the guidelines to contain the spread of COVID are strictly adhered to and COVID appropriate behaviour is strictly enforced by them during travel.”

“Restoring normal flight operations to full capacity is a very good sign and is in line with the growing passenger confidence and demand we have seen for the upcoming quarter. Festive season has ushered in an encouraging demand for travel. With the COVID-19 situation stabilising in India daily domestic air passenger traffic in India crossed the 300,000-mark on 9 October .We have seen 30-35% MoM growth for flight bookings for leisure travel for the month of October,” Aloke Bajpai, Co-founder & Group CEO in ixigo said.