India asks airlines to stop sales before lockdown curbs lifted

India’s Aviation Ministry has asked airlines to take travel bookings only after a final decision on lifting or easing restrictions on domestic and international flights is announced. “The Ministry of Civil Aviation clarifies that so far no decision has been taken to open domestic or international operations,” minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in a tweet late Saturday. It wasn’t immediately clear if it was a binding order or an advisory. The country is currently in the midst of a nationwide lockdown until May 3 to control the spread of coronavirus infections. There’s been no clarity so far if flights, especially international, will be allowed even when the lockdown is lifted. Airlines are now selling domestic and international tickets for flights starting from May 4. <br/>