Explained: Why govt has extended restrictions on domestic flights

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to extend the restrictions on domestic flights introduced at the time of resumption in May 2020 by another month, taking into account the rising Covid-19 cases in the country.

What restrictions have been extended?

At the time of resuming domestic aviation after a two-month shutdown back in May 2020, the Centre fixed fare bands to ensure that passengers were not overcharged on the one hand, and the airlines did not sell below cost to compete on the other.

In March this year, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced a 5 per cent relaxation in the lower fare band due to rising jet fuel prices.