India to resume domestic flights, but no indication of lifting international travel restrictions

Nearly two months after India went into lockdown to contain the coronavirus outbreak, the government has announced that commercial flights will resume within the country from May 25 in a “calibrated manner.”

India to resume domestic flights from May 25, 2020. Source: Twitter

Highlights

• India to resume domestic flight operations from May 25
• No indication on the resumption of international flights
• India issues new protocols for air travel and passenger movement

In a major relief for passengers, India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has announced that airports and carriers will be given guidelines to facilitate the resumption of domestic flights.

In response to the government’s decision, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) which manages 100 airports across the country has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for air travel and movement of passengers.

Here are some of the key points:

-Passengers must reach the airport two hours prior to the departure of their flight

-Passengers are mandated to walk through thermal screening zone

-Passengers must wear masks and gloves at all times at the airport

-Trolleys will not be allowed except for special cases

-Airport operators must make appropriate arrangements for sanitisation of baggage before entry into the terminal building

-Must download the Aarogya Setu App

-The state governments will be responsible for ensuring public transport and cabs for passengers and crew members. Only select vehicles and cabs will be allowed at the airport

Representational image. Source: Twitter/Air India

No indication of resumption of international flights:

Resumption of domestic flights is seen as yet another step by the Indian government towards a staggered exit from the lockdown, which has been extended for the third time till May 31.

Only freight, medical services, Air India repatriation flights and those specially approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs are currently operational.

The Indian government, however, has not indicated when international travel will restart or when foreign nationals or OCI cardholders will be allowed to enter the country.

But Sydney-based OCI cardholder Amar Singh who has applied for an exemption with the Indian government to be allowed to travel on compassionate grounds after his brother's sudden death said every step towards easing of restrictions for him is a "step closer to home."

“I know it's not significant because the Indian government has not said anything about allowing international flights. But this news has brought some hope for the likes of us who want to travel on compassionate grounds,” said Mr Singh.

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