The Ministry of Civil Aviation enabled airlines to fly local routes at full capacity as a preliminary to the full restoration of international air traffic into and out of India.
In June, when the second wave of COVID-19 infections was at its peak, India limited domestic flights to 50% of their capacity, but has steadily increased seat utilization as infections have declined in subsequent months.
The Ministry's rule enabling 100% capacity usage will take effect on October 18th, coinciding with India's festival season.
One of the reasons for not resuming regular, scheduled international flights into India, according to the Ministry, is a lack of seats on domestic aircraft.
It was reasoned that passengers arriving at international airports from other countries would be stranded without proper domestic connections.
When India enforced a total lockdown to contain the pandemic's first start in March of last year, international flights into and out of the country were suspended.
These were replaced by temporary "air bubble" agreements with more than two dozen countries while normal flights were resumed.
"The airlines/airport operators shall, however, ensure that the guidelines to contain the spread of COVID-19 are strictly adhered to and COVID-appropriate behaviour is strictly enforced," the ministry said in today’s order.
India declared last week that tourist visas for foreigners would be reintroduced in stages. Tourist visas will be issued to those travelling on charter flights starting on October 15th, and those coming on non-charter aircraft starting on November 15th.
The Ministry of Home Affairs' decision is likely to pave the way for the return of regular, scheduled flights as well as an increase in seat usage on domestic aircraft.
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