New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Monday increased the capacity of domestic flights from 50 percent to 65 percent. The July 5 order said, “After review of the current domestic operating status of the previous order, the passenger demand for air travel has been increased from 50 percent to 65 percent of the capacity. MoCA has increased the passenger capacity from July 5 which will be applicable till July 31.
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted, “Domestic aviation operations continue with all COVID protocols. The number of domestic passengers increases as flying emerges as the preferred, safe, and time-saving mode of transportation. As on 4 July 2021, 1,74,905 passengers traveled in 1,467 flights.
For the first time since May 2020, the government has increased the ability of domestic airlines to protect the viability of airlines battling weak finances after the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, reduced passenger traffic and passenger load factor on 1 June ( In the order dated 28 May) from 80 percent (Summer Schedule 2020) to 50 percent.
The government had raised the upper limit of airfares by about 14 percent due to an increase in fuel prices.
The previous order of the ministry said, “In view of the sudden increase in the number of Kovid-19 cases and decrease in the number of passengers, the existing capacity has been reduced from 80 percent to 50 percent.”
(with input agency)