Resumption of flight services to boost sentiment, help passengers: Industry

Airlines, travel operators and industry body FICCI on Wednesday welcomed the government's decision to restore domestic passenger flight services in a phased manner from May 25, saying it will help in boosting the overall economic sentiment besides helping a large number of passengers.

Budget carrier IndiGo said in line with the government's decision, it will recommence operations from May 25 in a gradual manner.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in a surprise announcement through Twitteron Wednesday, said domestic flight operations will recommence from May 25 in a calibrated manner and all airports and air carriers are being informed to be ready for operations.

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for passenger movement are also being separately issued by the civil aviation ministry, he added.

Interestingly, the minister announced the decision a day after asserting that the Centre alone cannot take a call on resuming passenger flights and state governments should be ready to allow these services in the spirit of cooperative federalism.

"We welcome the government's decision to recommence domestic civil aviation operations from May 25. This will go a long way in lifting the overall economic sentiment in the country," SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh said in a statement.

"While the SOP for resumption of operations and details of flights to be operated is still awaited, we are sure that this much awaited move will help a large number of passengers by providing them access to the safest and quickest means of transport," he added.

SpiceJet is all geared up to resume operations post lockdown, Singh said, adding it "will strictly adhere to social distancing norms and SOPs laid down by the Government to ensure the best, the cleanest and the most sanitised flying experience."