Lockdown: Air Asia opens bookings for 21 destinations, GoAir says awaiting clarity on SOP from states

GoAir is ready to resume domestic flight operations after a two-month-long lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had announced earlier this week that domestic flights will be permitted to resume operations starting May 25.

However, states are yet to agree on a uniform Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for the arrival of passengers. Like other domestic carriers, GoAir is also awaiting clarity on the readiness of the respective states and their airports with regard to acceptance of flights, or the conditions applicable to passengers entering the respective states.

“Without clarity on these conditions, GoAir does not wish to inconvenience its passengers by putting on sale flights immediately post the 25th of May which they may book, that will not be permitted to operate to the respective states or may have conditions for arriving passengers of which they may be unaware,” an official statement by the carrier said.

The carrier’s official statement went further to state that it will open its site for bookings post-May 25 up to May 31 as when and where appropriate once it receives clarity on the guidelines for the arrival of passengers.

“GoAir has already been on sale for its entire network of flights commencing June 1 and appreciates the initial customer response which has been very positive,” the carrier added.

AirAsia, on the other hand, has resumed bookings for domestic flights for 21 destinations.

AirAsia India is resuming domestic flight operations tomorrow, i.e. 25.05.2020. Passengers undertaking travel to any state are required to read, understand, and comply with the health and other protocols prescribed by the destination State / UT for airline travellers.

— AirAsia India (@AirAsiaIndian) May 24, 2020