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Domestic flights to resume operations from May 25 in a calibrated manner, says Aviation Minister

Hardeep Singh Puri said all airports and air carriers are being informed to be ready for operations from May 25
Last Updated 20 May 2020, 17:04 IST

Domestic flights will resume in a “calibrated manner” from May 25, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Wednesday, two months after air travel was suspended to strengthen the fight against COVID-19.

“Domestic civil aviation operations will recommence in a calibrated manner from Monday 25th May 2020. All airports & air carriers are being informed to be ready for operations from 25th May,” Puri said.

He said the Ministry of Civil Aviation would issue a standard operating procedure for movement of passengers separately.

Speaking to media, the minister ruled out leaving the middle seat vacant on the aircraft to ensure physical distancing contending that it was not a viable option given the thin margins on which airline companies operate.

Puri pointed out that during the Vande Bharat evacuation flights, no seats were kept vacant in aircraft and passengers had taken precautions by wearing face masks and face covers.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, India had suspended international commercial passengers flights on March 22 and followed up with a ban on domestic commercial flights from March 24.

According to advisories issued by various airlines and the Airports Authority of India, passengers will have to wear face masks through out the flight duration as well as airports to avoid spread of infections.

Air travelers will also have to download Arogya Setu app on their smartphones and those cleared by the app would be allowed to travel.

The AAI also stated that air travelers must maintain a distance of four feet from co-passengers, wear a mask and other protective gear, wash or sanitise their hands frequently and carry a 350 ml bottle of sanitiser all the time.

Passengers will also do web check-in and carry a print out of their boarding pass before reaching the airport to ensure minimum physical contact with airport officials.

Airports across the country have taken steps to disinfect airports at regular intervals and place markings at several places to ensure physical distancing.

India has been under lockdown to arrest the spread of COVID-19 that has infected 1.06 lakh persons across the country and killed 3,303.

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(Published 20 May 2020, 11:54 IST)

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