India has suspended all domestic passenger flights with effective March 25 to prevent a mass outbreak of the novel coronavirus as the number of affected persons has crossed the 400-mark on. However, cargo flights will continue to operate as usual.
The ban will be in place until March 31.
India had already suspended much of the international flights, and many of the airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara, had either curtailed or discontinued their foreign operations.
The ministry, however, didn't specify till when the suspension will last.
In February, domestic air passenger traffic grew 9 per cent on year to 12.4 million passengers in India.
There is no clarity yet on the deadline of this suspension period.
The measure is part of the lockdown that India has initiated in most states and union Territories to arrest the transmission of deadly coronavirus.
Till 10 am of March 23, there are 415 positive cases of coronavirus in India.
As the announcement means grounding of around 650 aircraft, aviation consultancy firm CAPA that the Suspension along with weak demand will have an impact well beyond FY21 unless the government can provide quick and meaningful support.
"The timing of the resumption of services is entirely in the control of the government, but it will most likely be beyond 31 March. In addition to government support, industry stability in the post-COVID period will also depend upon promoters of distressed airlines themselves bringing in significant funds," CAPA said on micro-blogging platform of Twitter.
"The operations of domestic schedule commercial airlines shall cease operations effective from the midnight that is 23.59 hours IST on 24/3/2020. Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020. The restrictions shall not apply to solely cargo-carrying flights," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a release.
The ban will be in place until March 31.
India had already suspended much of the international flights, and many of the airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara, had either curtailed or discontinued their foreign operations.
The ministry, however, didn't specify till when the suspension will last.
#BreakingNews | Govt suspends domestic flights from tomorrow midnight; restrictions shall not apply to solely cargo carrying flights#StayHome #coronavirus #COVIDー19 #Covid19India pic.twitter.com/XcyFUtwLZy
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) March 23, 2020
In February, domestic air passenger traffic grew 9 per cent on year to 12.4 million passengers in India.
There is no clarity yet on the deadline of this suspension period.
The measure is part of the lockdown that India has initiated in most states and union Territories to arrest the transmission of deadly coronavirus.
Till 10 am of March 23, there are 415 positive cases of coronavirus in India.
As the announcement means grounding of around 650 aircraft, aviation consultancy firm CAPA that the Suspension along with weak demand will have an impact well beyond FY21 unless the government can provide quick and meaningful support.
"The timing of the resumption of services is entirely in the control of the government, but it will most likely be beyond 31 March. In addition to government support, industry stability in the post-COVID period will also depend upon promoters of distressed airlines themselves bringing in significant funds," CAPA said on micro-blogging platform of Twitter.
First Published: Mar 23, 2020 5:02 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!