On Thursday, December 3, the Centre permitted domestic flights to ramp up their operations to 80 per cent of pre-COVID-19 approved capacity from the existing 70 per cent stipulation.
The ramping of operations will help the airlines in adding more flights which will lead the flight operations towards normalcy. Moreover, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in a statement has said that on November 30, 2.52 lakh passengers travelled on domestic flights compared to 30,000 that travelled on May 25.
He further added, "This requires, in turn, that we continue to maintain the existing safety protocols, we strengthen them and we are able to adapt," Moreover, he said, “I am confident that by the end of the year, by December 31 or soon thereafter, means a week or two weeks thereafter, we will be back to pre-COVID-19 levels,”
As per reports, the number of domestic flight travellers is on a constant rise. As a result, the Central Government allowed airlines to fly with 70 per cent capacity. Earlier in June, the aviation ministry had approved a 45 per cent increase in the number of flights. On September 2, it was increased to 60 per cent. The ministry further announced a number of concessions for airline companies by the end of August. This includes meals and other concessions to passengers. After the coronavirus induced lockdown, domestic travel had earlier resumed from May 25.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court had earlier allowed to fill up middle seats in both domestic and international flights. However, the HC sought strict conformity with the May 31 circular of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which requires passengers to wear wrap-around gowns along with a face shield and mask.
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