Flights may follow Railways cautious resumption along key routes; decision likely soon

With the country witnessing the third phase of the lockdown and the Centre announcing gradual relaxation, sources informed that preparations are going on to resume the domestic flight operations gradually. Ministry Of Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola and others had visited the Delhi airport on Sunday to inspect its preparations. 

According to aviation sources, the airlines have been kept on stand-by and are preparing to resume operation as soon as the Centre gives a green signal. Further, the airlines are keen to operate on major routes which are commercially viable that includes-- Delhi, Mumbai, and Banglore. Along with it, they are aversed to only operate shorter flights which would be restricted to current green zones. As per sources, the decision on the resumption of the partial commercial flights' operations is likely to be announced in the next few days. 

This comes even as the Railways has moved to resume 15 trains (30 up-down journeys) from May 12, with booking starting on Monday at 4pm on the IRCTC website.

Read: India's Covid cases at 67,152 from 1.67 million tests; 20,917 recoveries & 2,206 deaths

Coronavirus in India 

As India is battling the Coronavirus crisis, the country has seen a 3.28 percent mortality rate and a 31.14 percent recovery rate till now. According to the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of total Coronavirus cases in the country has climbed to 67,152, including 44,029 active cases. 

Read: IAF requested to allow resumption of Darbhanga Airport work in Bihar: Aviation Minister

While 2,206 deaths have been reported overall, around 20,917 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Gujarat have the highest number of cases in the country with 22,171 and 8,194 cases respectively. 

Read: Aviation Ministry website crashes as Indians abroad scramble to return home amid Covid

Read: Aviation Minister hints at resumption of domestic air travel, says 'awaiting green signal'