Airlines can now operate at full capacity, flight restrictions lifted

Airlines will be able to operate at 100 per cent capacity from October 18, with the civil aviation ministry lifting all restrictions on domestic flight movements. These curbs were imposed when airlines resumed operations after a Covid-induced break last May. However, the government is yet to remove the fare caps.

The decision was taken following a review of the current status of scheduled domestic operations, the ministry said in its order on Tuesday.

Last month the government allowed airlines to increase their capacity from 72.5 per cent to 85 per cent. The decision coincided with the festival season which has seen improved seat occupancy and rise in air traffic.