Domestic airlines allowed to operate at up to 45% of total capacity

The government has allowed airlines to increase flights up to 45 per cent of their total capacity, against the previous cap of one-third, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Thursday.

Indian airlines resumed their domestic operations from 25 May after being grounded for two months due to the lockdown to contain Covid-19 pandemic.

A senior government official said data has proved that air travel is the safest mode of transport due to its controlled access and complete traceability at departure, transit, and arrival. Less than 1 per cent of people who have taken a flight since 25 May have been detected carrying the virus.