Airlines Reboot Amid Headwinds

Even as domestic flights are cleared for take-off with riders, virus fear may severely repress air travel demand, say experts

- Manu Kaushik

After a series of deliberations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has finally given a green signal to domestic flights starting May 25. International flights though will remain suspended for the time being. Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri announced the resumption of flights with riders. First, airlines will be allowed to operate only one-third capacity approved in the summer schedule in 2020. For instance, if all the airlines were to take 100 daily flights between Delhi and Mumbai as per the summer schedule, they can only take 33 now. Although the minister said airlines would be allowed to add more flights “in a calibrated manner,” he didn’t elaborate on the conditions that are required to be met.

In addition, the ministry has given a fare band under seven categories depending on the duration of the flight. For instance, a Delhi-Mumbai ticket can be priced between Rs 3,500 and Rs 10,000 with 40 per cent of the tickets to be sold below Rs 6,750. Then, there are a host of guidelines issued for the passengers who are keen on air travel after the flights are resumed.