Indian domestic carriers are eligible to carry up to 85% of passenger load capacity as per an order by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on September 18, 2021.
“After review of the current status of Scheduled Domestic Operations vis-a-vis passenger demand for air travel […] 72.5% capacity may be read as 85 % capacity,” stated the order by MoCA.
The order surfaced after MoCA reported a 34% increase in domestic passenger traffic during August 2021 compared to July 2021.
While SpiceJet and GoAir are reportedly against the eased restrictions because of their operational limitations due to capital complications, IndiGo is hoping for further relaxations in carriage capacity and flight frequencies, as reported by the Economic Times.
The increase in load carriage capacity indicates the gradual revival of the Indian aviation industry. It can potentially be a boon for airlines to cover the grounds lost during COVID-19 related domestic travel restrictions.
India has imposed a ban on international scheduled flights till the end of September 2021.