New Delhi: June16: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new civil aviation policy, which makes it easier for new Airlines to fly abroad with the objective to boost air travel and economic growth. Government of India presented the national civil aviation policy to make flying more affordable for Indian middle class and also to connect more countries. Now, the domestic airlines will not to wait for five years to fly to abroad. The rule of 5/20 will be changed. Airlines interested to fly abroad have to deploy 20 aircraft or 20 percent of total capacity in india, which is higher as earlier, but will not have to wait for 5 years. Speaking to reporters, Aviation Minister said, ‘We need more airlines, more aircrafts to serve our Indian Skies.’
In 2015, number of passengers on domestic flights went up to 21 percent, which is more than 80 million. The government aims to increase that number to 300 million by 2022. But, International travel is growing slowly. Easing the 5/20 rule may make some change in the scenario and increase the numbers of passengers flying to overseas.
As per the reforms, airfares will come down to 2,500 rupees per hour of flying time on many under-served regional routes, particularly away from big cities. The government will look to develop about 350 dilapidated or underused airstrips across India into “no frills airports”.
