US to allow Air India to conduct ground handling at airports

The US Transportation Department said Thursday it planned to restore the ability of Indian air carriers to conduct ground handling operations at US airports.

The announcement comes as India is now allowing US air carriers to perform the full range of ground handling operations at Indian airports, the department said. Those ground operations cover services to facilitate an aircraft in preparation and conclusion of flights, including ticketing, check-in, baggage sorting, refueling, and de-icing. Air India should be allowed to resume operations after the department adopts a final order.

The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.