DGCA directs airlines to stop taking bookings

Amid coronavirus-induced lockdown, aviation regulator DGCA on Sunday told airlines to stop taking bookings. Private Indian airlines were taking bookings on Sunday on select flights from May 4.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri h vised airlines on Saturday night to open bookings only after government takes a decision on resumption of passenger flights.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a circular on Sunday evening, stating: "All airlines are hereby directed to refrain from booking tickets... Furr, airlines may te that y shall be given sufficient tice and time for restarting operations."

first phase of lockdown was from March 25 to April 14. second phase began on April 15 and would end on May 3.