Airlines finally get their wings back, govt nod to operate at full capacity

Airlines can operate domestic flights without any capacity restriction from October 18 onwards, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Tuesday keeping in mind the 'passenger demand for air travel'. The carriers have been operating 85% of their pre-Covid domestic services since September 18, according to the ministry's order.

The capacity cap stood at 72.5% between August 12 and September 18, 65% between July 5 and August 12 and 50% between June 1 and July 5.

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On October 9, the Indian carriers operated 2,340 domestic flights, which is 71.5% of their total pre-Covid capacity.

The order noted that the decision was taken 'after a review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations viz-a-viz passenger demand for air travel'.