The Civil Aviation Ministry of India has extended restrictions on domestic flights until November 24 in lieu of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here is everything you need to know. By Amitha Ameen
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India re-started operation of domestic flights in May, after a gap of two months because of the pandemic. And, the number of air passengers during this time has been meagre, to say the least. Mostly because passengers are afraid of contracting the virus and more importantly are still getting used to air travel during these unprecedented times.
The aviation ministry had implemented a cap on the lower and upper limits of domestic airfares in May. The upper limit will ensure there is no sharp price hike due to demands and the lower limit will ensure the airlines are financially sustained.
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Flights, too, had been segregated into seven sections based on their flying time, starting from 40 minutes to 180-210 minutes. The base domestic airfare ranges from INR 2,000 to INR 6,500 and the maximum price bracket is INR 6,000 to INR 18,600. The aviation ministry had also ensured that airlines maintain at least 40 per cent of the seats below the mid-point price between the highest and lowest fares.
Through this, a passenger opting to travel between Delhi and Mumbai can expect the lowest fare to be capped at INR 3,500, and the highest price point to be capped at INR 10,000. Currently, the government has allowed domestic airlines to operate at 45 per cent capacity, and according to official reports, domestic flights may reach a 55-60 per cent operational capacity by mid-November.
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Foreseeing these trends, the aviation ministry in its most recent announcement has stated that these restrictions will continue till November 24 or until further notice, depending on how the pandemic plays out.
India has confirmed more than 1,400,000 cases of which around 918,000 patients have recovered (as on July 27, 2020). The country is hopeful, as recent lab trials for a viable COVID-19 vaccine has kindled hope amongst people to successfully overcome the virus.
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