Domestic Flights to Function at Full Capacity From 18 Oct: What're the Rules?

The airlines have been asked to ensure that the guidelines to contain the spread of COVID are strictly adhered to.

Domestic flights are slated to resume operation at full capacity from Monday, 18 October, as per an order signed by the joint secretary to the government of India. Image used for representational purposes.

(Photo: iStockphoto)

Domestic flights are slated to resume operating at full capacity from Monday, 18 October, as per an order signed by the joint secretary to the Government of India.

"After the review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations vis-a-vis passenger demand for air travel in terms of the purpose specified in the initial order it has been decided to restore the scheduled domestic operations with effect from 18.10.2021 (18 October 2021) without any capacity restriction," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in the order issued on Tuesday, 12 October.

The domestic aviation sector was reopened on 25 May 2020 with a limited capacity of 33 percent. Since then, the operational capacity has been increasing periodically.

What are the other changes? Is there a price cap on fares? Here's all you need to know.

What is capacity cap?

A capacity cap is not the number of seats that will be occupied on a flight, but the number of flights that will operate over a particular period.

“The airlines/airport operators shall, however, ensure that the guidelines to contain the spread of COVID are strictly adhered to and COVID-appropriate behaviour is strictly enforced by them during the travel,” the statement said.

What are the rules on meals in flights?

The restrictions on serving meals still continue. Meals are not allowed to be served in flights that are less than a two-hour journey.

What about PPE kits and face shields? Are these mandatory?

Airlines have stopped providing PPE kits and face shield. However, wearing face masks is still mandatory.

Can I bring my own face shield?

Yes, there is no restriction on wearing your own PPE or face shield.

What about the cap on prices? Is that still applicable?

The lower and upper limit on airfares will remain only for 0-15 days before booking the ticket. Therefore, unexpected/emergency travel will be within price band. However, tickets that are booked in advance – before 15 days – will be costlier.

The government has not indicated any change in the price cap as of now.

Watch out this space for more information.