New Delhi: International flights could be back by mid-June or July end if the novel coronavirus becomes more “predictable”, said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday, May 23.
He was speaking during an online discussion with the public to clarify doubts about the government’s guidelines regarding the restart domestic flights.
The statement assumes significance as it comes just days ahead of the recommencement of domestic flight services from Monday.
During the discussion, the Minister informed that the government is working towards restarting a “good percentage” of passenger flights.
He said that if the situation improves or eases and if the virus behaves in a predictable manner, there would be no need to wait till August or September as we would get used to co-existing with the virus.
“So far, the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ has moved very well and I am confident that when domestic flights start, they will also proceed very well… So why not start (international flights) by June middle or June end or July,” he added.
Passenger flights operations were put on hold after the nationwide lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March. The lockdown was enforced to curb the spread of COVID-19 that has killed over 3,00 people in India.
On Thursday, the Centre had said that the domestic passenger flight services will recommence from May 25.
For the domestic operations, airlines will be allowed to recommence on a limited number of passenger flight services which is about one-third capacity of the summer schedule.
(With inputs from IANS)
