Private airlines continue to take bookings for travel from May 4

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri’s advice to airlines on Twitter, asking them to open bookings only after a decision in this regard is taken by the Centre, is unlikely to cut much ice with the private airlines.

This means flyers face uncertainties about flight operations although some airlines have started taking bookings for travel from May 4. For instance, the IndiGo and SpiceJet websites show that they are taking bookings on select routes such as Delhi-Bengaluru-Delhi (IndiGo) and Chennai-Delhi-Chennai (SpiceJet).

A Vistara spokesperson said it had suspended operations and sales until May 3, following the last circular. “Once there is clarity on steps to take beyond the date, we will comply accordingly,” the spokesperson added.