Coronavirus update: No domestic commercial passenger flights will operate from March 25

NEW DELHI: Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that no domestic commercial airlines will be operational from March 25.

"The operations of domestic schedule commercial airlines shall cease with effect from the midnight that is 23.59 hours IST (Indian Standard Time) on March 24, 2020," a ministry spokesperson said.

"Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destinations before 23.59 hours on March 24, 2020," the spokesperson added.

Cargo flights will not come under this limitation.

Earlier, Government of India has informed that no scheduled international commercial passenger aircraft shall be allowed to land in India from March 22, 2020 for one week.

For a fact, an analytical report from CAPA – Centre for Aviation has issued a warning for the airline industry. “By the end of May-2020, most airlines in the world will be bankrupt. Coordinated government and industry action is needed – now – if catastrophe is to be avoided,” an article claims.

“Cash reserves are running down quickly as fleets are grounded and what flights there are operate much less than half full.Forward bookings are far outweighed by cancellations and each time there is a new government recommendation it is to discourage flying. Demand is drying up in ways that are completely unprecedented. Normality is not yet on the horizon,” the article claims.

As governments fail to cooperate, national self-interest is proving to be a threat for the aviation industry.

With many countries cancelling flights from foreign countries, the aviation industry will suffer maximum losses.

Meanwhile in India, all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure, informed the Ministry of Health.

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