Whether short flights or long, in-flight entertainment is extremely important. While some carry books, others make sure that their battery is charged enough to make it through 2-hours of flying time. Now, there wouldn’t be any need to have a back-up plan anymore; because Indian airline companies have got a nod to give wi-fi facility to its passengers!
Why Wasn’t It Done Till Now?
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry had initially restricted the use of Indian air space for in-flight connectivity. That restriction has now been lifted. On 2nd March, the government gave a nod airline companies operating in India to provide internet access to its passengers.
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Globally, there are a number of airlines that provide wi-fi access for onboard passengers. These airlines have to currently switch off this access, as soon as they enter the Indian air space. Not anymore.
How Does It Work?
According to the government notification, ‘the pilot-in-command may permit access of internet services by passengers on board, when tablet, smart-phones, laptop, smart-watches, e-readers or point of sale devices are being used in in-flight mode.’
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There are over 30 international airlines that provide internet access to passengers. These include, Emirates, British Airways, Qatar Airways and many others. In India, Vistara is expected to take the lead.
Currently, it is unknown if these services will be paid for or for free. Some of these facilities are also offered as part of the package with business and first class tickets for airlines. That is yet to be revealed. But something is better than nothing… right?