Ministry of Civil Aviation steadily resumes flight operations on alternative routes despite airspace restrictions

New Delhi: Indian airlines have started gradually resuming long-haul and ultra-long-haul operations by rerouting flights to avoid restricted airspace. In addition, we have made special arrangements to assist travelers stranded abroad.Air India operated a total of 24 flights today, while Emirates and Etihad Airways operated nine flights from the Gulf in the last 24 hours, the civil aviation ministry announced.According to the ministry, Air India There are 58 flights scheduled for Wednesday, including 30 flights by IndiGo and 23 flights by Air India and Air India Express. The airline is deploying additional capacity as needed and coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure “safe and orderly movement of passengers”.Foreign airlines operating between India and the Gulf also continue to provide limited services, subject to operational restrictions and airspace restrictions.Ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority, the ministry said, adding that all airlines have been instructed to maintain transparent communications.“Passenger safety remains paramount. We recommend that all airlines maintain transparent communications with passengers and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements around refunds, rescheduling and passenger assistance.”The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also strengthened its monitoring of air ticket prices to prevent “excessive increases in air ticket prices” during route adjustments.“Passengers are advised to check directly with their respective airlines for the latest flight status before traveling to the airport and rely only on official sources for the latest information,” the ministry said.It added that it will continue to coordinate with airlines, airport operators, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of External Affairs to smoothly resume normal operations and facilitate affected passengers. “Further updates will be issued as needed,” the statement concluded.So far, 1,221 flights of Indian airlines and 388 flights of foreign airlines have been canceled due to the coronavirus situation.