DGCA asks airlines to refrain from booking tickets post-lockdown

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked all airlines to refrain from booking tickets post lockdown. “… It has been noted that airlines have started bookings tickets for journeys w.e.f. the 04th of May, 2020.
In this respect, it is brought to notice of all concerned that no decision to commence the operation of domestic/international flight w.e.f. 04th of May has been taken yet,” DGCA has said.
Airlines will be given sufficient notice and time for restarting operations, it has said.
“In view of this, all airlines are hereby directed to refrain from booking tickets as described above. Further, the airlines may note that they shall be given sufficient notice and time for restarting of operations,” it said.
The regulator asked for “strict compliance” by all airlines.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Sunday issues a new circular and said that no decision has been taken to resume passenger flights from May 4 when the lockdown ends and all the airlines should refrain from booking tickets.
Passenger flights were banned from March 25 when the lockdown came into force. Air cargo services were exempted from the ban.
Civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri had earlier tweeted that no decision has been taken to resume passenger flights in the country.
The first phase of the lockdown imposed in the country in view of the coronavirus outbreak was from March 25 to April 14. The second phase started on April 15 and will end on May 3.
All domestic and international commercial passenger flight operations have been suspended during the lockdown period. However, cargo flights and special flights authorised by aviation regulator DGCA have been permitted during this period. (news source – Moneycontrol)