Centre's Plan For Resuming Flights Runs Into Turbulence In States, Goa ready with measures

Just a day before domestic flights are set to resume across the country, there is still confusion about the rules and readiness in states. Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu - home to some of the country's busiest airports in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai - have red-flagged the centre's plan to restart passenger flights two months after a shutdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. However Goa seems to be ready with all precautions.

Chief Minster Dr. Pramod Sawant said that the Standard Operating Procedure for all domestic passengers arriving by Air, Rail or Road to Goa are in place, He tweeted about the same.

Health Minster Vishwajeet Rane tweeted saying, It is very important to ensure that the passengers entering the state of Goa by air are asked to carry a COVID-19 negative certificate with all stringent measures in place.

Goa should lead by example in establishing a comprehensive SOP and implementing strict measures.

The minister also said that I am confident that our Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant who has been very proactive will support us in drawing up strong and stringent SOPs, that will help us majorly in order to curb community transmission and keep Goa safe.

All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 25 when the central government imposed a lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday admitted that a number of states have expressed reservations with the plan to start flights on Monday even as he suggested that India will try to restart some international passenger flights as early as June.

Meanwhile, passenger airlines IndiGo, SpiceJet, AirAsia India and Vistara have started taking bookings for flights starting Monday but budget carrier GoAir said it was awaiting clarification on rules for resuming services.