Indian Civil Aviation Lays Down Rules For Future Of Air Travel; 40% Seats To Be Sold At Less Than Avg Price

Natasha Monteiro

5 years ago

Minister of Civil Aviation of India, Hardeep Singh Puri was live at a press conference today to discuss the future of Indian air travel. We at Curly Tales have tuned to get you all the latest updates. Here are the highlights:

1. A new flight structure will be introduced for 3 months until August 24th 11.59pm. Domestic flights will resume from 25 May, 2020

2. The new flight structure will be regulated by the government for the 3 months

3. The focus will be on affordable air travel based on timing and air routes

4. The cap on air fares has been decided in seven categories. Flight operations will restart from major Indian airports, including ones located in tier one cities

5. 40% of seats will be sold at less than average price

6. The minimum fare from Delhi-Mumbai will be Rs 3,500 & the maximum Rs 10,000

7. Middle seats of the airplane will not be kept empty. Air planes will run at full capacity. As per airport authorities keeping the middle seat empty does not solve the purpose.

8. Airports & Airplanes will implement other measures to ensure protection against COVID-19 like disinfection of flight, thermal screening, airport staff & flight crew wearing masks and sanitising etc

9. Passengers will have to do mandatory web check-in, and carry a print out of their boarding pass. Masks & sanitisers will also be mandatory for all passengers.

10. Air travellers must maintain a distance of four feet from co-passenger

11. All passengers will have to compulsorily have the Aarogya Sethu app installed. Anyone showing red on the app will not be allowed to fly.

12. Only one check-in bag will be allowed per passenger.

13. Passengers will have to report 2 hours before departure as per new domestic guidelines.

14. Flight routes have been classified into 7 – 1) Flight time less than 40 minutes, 2) 40 – 60 minutes, 3) 60 – 90 minutes, 4) 90 – 120 minutes, 5) 120 – 150 minutes, 6) 150 – 180 mins, 7) 180 – 210 mins.

Dos & Don’ts To Be Kept In Mind By Travellers

Passengers are requested to maintain social distancing and avoid touching surrounding from the point of origin till the airport. Registering on the Aarogya Setu app is also necessary. So here’s what you need to keep in mind while travelling.

When Travelling To The Airport

Registration on Aarogya Setu app and self-declaration is compulsory.
It’s advised that passengers use digital mode of payment and used authorised taxis.
Only one cabin bag and one check-in bag is permitted
Elderly people, vulnerable people and pregnant women are advised to avoid travelling.
Obtain boarding pass and ensure web check-in
Passengers must download the baggage tag/baggage identification number, print it and fix it on the bag at a prominent place.
In case baggage tag is not printable, PNR number and the name of the passenger must be displayed prominently on the bag
Wearing a mask is compulsory.
Passengers must arrive at the airport at least a couple of hours before the scheduled departure of the flight.
Status of health must be updated on the Aarogya Setu app.

Apart from these guidelines, the ministry has also prompted passengers to not reach late. Those living in coronavirus containment zones or who have tested positive for the deadly virus must avoid travelling. The airlines will issue a boarding pass after the passengers have declared that they don’t live in a containment zone and are not showing any symptoms as part of the self-declaration. Passengers must update their health on the Aarogya Setu app and show it to the staff at the entry gate.