Hardeep Singh Puri, @HardeepSPuri, Civil Aviation Minister :

• Our views & approach on restarting flights have been clearly stated.  On 2nd April, I said “A decision to restart flights after this period remains to be taken” & reiterated this on 5th. On14th when Lockdown extended, I said “we can CONSIDER lifting restrictions” after Lockdown.
• Since some airlines did not heed our advisory & opened bookings & started collecting money from flyers, a directive was issued to them on 19th April restraining them from doing so.  They were also informed that they will be given sufficient notice & time to commence bookings.
• I want to once again say that flight restrictions that are in place as a result of India’s fight against COVID19 will be lifted once we are confident that spread of the virus has been controlled & it poses no danger to our country & people.