India: Aviation Ministry allows airlines to operate flights at 85 pc capacity

Following a dip in the COVID-19 case in the country, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday increased the passenger capacity from 72.5 to 85%. In an official notification, the ministry said the decision was taken after a review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations viz-a-viz passenger demand for air travel. "After review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations viz-a-viz passenger demand for air travel in terms of the purpose specified in the initial order dated May 21, 2020, condition laid down in para 2 of the order dated May 21, 2020, as last amended on dated August 12, 2021, is further modified as under: 72.5% capacity may be read as 85% capacity," the order said. The Ministry said the new order will take effect from the date of issue and will be applicable until further order.<br/>