As the nation starts lockdown 4.0 from Monday, announcements on resuming of domestic air&nbsp;travel are still awaited.

Keeping that possibility in mind, Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued a brief guideline on Friday for passengers who will be travelling once the flights resume.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-samudra-setu-indian-navy-ship-jalashwa-leaves-maldives-for-kochi-298919">Also read:&nbsp;Operation Samudra Setu: Indian Navy ship Jalashwa leaves Maldives for Kochi</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
With the possibility of resumption of domestic flights soon, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAI</a> has released some steps that must be followed so passengers are fully geared up while travelling. Wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer, keep docs handy &amp; register on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AarogyaSetuApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AarogyaSetuApp</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAICares?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAICares</a> <a href="https://t.co/N6ooZIoOsc">pic.twitter.com/N6ooZIoOsc</a>
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official/status/1261264185486274560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As per the guidelines, the first thing to take care of for passengers is the compulsory registration on Aarogya Setu app. Every passenger will have to download and register on the app, as it will help the authorities determine if the passenger is travelling from a green zone or a red zone.

Wearing masks and carrying a hand sanitizer will be compulsory. No passenger without masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be permitted to enter the airport premises. Hand sanitizers, which were earlier not permitted in cabin baggage, have now been allowed upto 350ml.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Since sanitizing hands frequently is one of the measures against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> virus, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has allowed passengers boarding an aircraft to carry hand sanitizer up to 350ml in their cabin baggage. This is to be implemented with immediate effect. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAI</a> <a href="https://t.co/pYKXjfLMxT">pic.twitter.com/pYKXjfLMxT</a>
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official/status/1260930168069083136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

All passengers will only be able to book tickets through online or telephonic portals. Passengers will also have to do a web check-in and carry a printed version of their boarding pass. There will be no stamping of boarding passes too, till further notice. This will help the authorities reduce physical contact, thus limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had&nbsp;issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for all airlines and airport operators. This set of guidelines has followed that first draft.

Air India, in the meanwhile, has been bringing back Indian nationals stuck abroad in the biggest repatriation operation of the country, called Vande Bharat mission.

Indian Railways, too, resumed special 25 trains to help domestic travellers return back to their hometown. Railways is also operating 'shramik trains' for migrant workers who had been stuck away from home due to the nationwide lockdown.

As the nation starts lockdown 4.0 from Monday, announcements on resuming of domestic air travel are still awaited. Keeping that possibility in mind, Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued a brief guideline on Friday for passengers who will be travelling once the flights resume.

As the nation starts lockdown 4.0 from Monday, announcements on resuming of domestic air travel are still awaited. Keeping that possibility in mind, Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued a brief guideline on Friday for passengers who will be travelling once the flights resume. Also read: Operation Samudra Setu: Indian Navy ship Jalashwa leaves Maldives for Kochi With the possibility of resumption of domestic flights soon, #AAI has released some steps that must be followed so passengers are fully geared up while travelling. Wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer, keep docs handy & register on #AarogyaSetuApp. #AAICares pic.twitter.com/N6ooZIoOsc — Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) May 15, 2020 × As per the guidelines, the first thing to take care of for passengers is the compulsory registration on Aarogya Setu app. Every passenger will have to download and register on the app, as it will help the authorities determine if the passenger is travelling from a green zone or a red zone. Wearing masks and carrying a hand sanitizer will be compulsory. No passenger without masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be permitted to enter the airport premises. Hand sanitizers, which were earlier not permitted in cabin baggage, have now been allowed upto 350ml. Since sanitizing hands frequently is one of the measures against #COVID19 virus, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has allowed passengers boarding an aircraft to carry hand sanitizer up to 350ml in their cabin baggage. This is to be implemented with immediate effect. #AAI pic.twitter.com/pYKXjfLMxT — Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) May 14, 2020 × All passengers will only be able to book tickets through online or telephonic portals. Passengers will also have to do a web check-in and carry a printed version of their boarding pass. There will be no stamping of boarding passes too, till further notice. This will help the authorities reduce physical contact, thus limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for all airlines and airport operators. This set of guidelines has followed that first draft. Air India, in the meanwhile, has been bringing back Indian nationals stuck abroad in the biggest repatriation operation of the country, called Vande Bharat mission. Indian Railways, too, resumed special 25 trains to help domestic travellers return back to their hometown. Railways is also operating 'shramik trains' for migrant workers who had been stuck away from home due to the nationwide lockdown.

Masks, sanitizers and Aarogya Setu app compulsory: Airport Authority of India

Resumption of international flights will be considered on a case-by-case basis after India's lockdown ends and will depend on which countries they are coming from, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday.

"Any incoming flights to bring Indians back home will have to await the lifting of the lockdown," he told reporters at a press conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/operation-sanjeevani-india-sends-62-tonnes-of-medical-assistance-to-maldives-amidst-covid-crisis-290128" hreflang="en">Operation Sanjeevani: India sends 6.2 tonnes of medical assistance to Maldives amidst COVID crisis</a>

"The lockdown is till April 15. And, we can start considering the resumption of flights on a case-by-case basis depending on where they are coming from after that," Puri said.

India is under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 and therefore, all domestic and international commercial passenger flights have been suspended for this time period.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-three-indian-americans-infected-with-coronavirus-in-critical-condition-290119" hreflang="en">US: Three Indian-Americans infected with coronavirus in critical condition</a>

However, cargo flights, medical evacuation flights, offshore helicopter operations and flights specially permitted by the aviation regulator DGCA can operate during this time period.

Resumption of international flights will be considered on a case-by-case basis after India's lockdown ends and will depend on which countries they are coming from, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday.

Resumption of international flights will be considered on a case-by-case basis after India's lockdown ends and will depend on which countries they are coming from, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday. "Any incoming flights to bring Indians back home will have to await the lifting of the lockdown," he told reporters at a press conference. Also read: Operation Sanjeevani: India sends 6.2 tonnes of medical assistance to Maldives amidst COVID crisis "The lockdown is till April 15. And, we can start considering the resumption of flights on a case-by-case basis depending on where they are coming from after that," Puri said. India is under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 and therefore, all domestic and international commercial passenger flights have been suspended for this time period. Also read: US: Three Indian-Americans infected with coronavirus in critical condition However, cargo flights, medical evacuation flights, offshore helicopter operations and flights specially permitted by the aviation regulator DGCA can operate during this time period.

International flights resumption after April 15 subject to from where they are coming: Aviation minister

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well.

The deadly coronavirus has crippled large parts of the world, infecting over 1,69,000 and killing more than 6,500 people, mostly in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Porous borders, shortage of medical supplies and lack of awareness have made people more vulnerable to the lethal virus—forcing most countries to respond with strong measures to tackle the pandemic.&nbsp;

India has been highly vigilant and proactive in fighting this global health emergency.

It has managed to keep up its efforts in not just controlling the virus spread, but has also carried out timely rescue and evacuation of stranded citizens.

January 28, 2020. India was one of the first countries to initiate evacuation processes after the news of the virus outbreak in Hubei was reported.&nbsp;

Within a few days, 653 Indians and 7 Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan in two batches of 323 and 330.&nbsp;

All of those rescued were monitored in quarantine either at ITBP Chhawla camp or at Manesar facility in the national capital region.

Neighbourhood first policy has always remained important for India.&nbsp;

Unlike, Pakistan which refused to bring back its own citizens from Wuhan, India has rescued both—its own citizens and nationals from countries.&nbsp;

In its third leg of operations, India brought back 36 nationals belonging to 7 different countries. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar expressed their gratitude for Delhi's humanitarian action.&nbsp;

India has a massive diaspora. More than 30 million of them living in different continents away from home.&nbsp;

Among them were fisherman from Kerala stranded in Iran, a huge community of labourers in West Asia and Arabia as well.&nbsp;

Collaborating with Tehran, minister of external affairs S Jaishankar and ambassador Dhamu Gaddam evacuated 389 people from Iran — in four batches.

The latest ones to be evacuated were 52 students and a teacher from Tehran.

An Air India flight in Delhi also landed from Tokyo carrying 119 Indians and 5 nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru—who were earlier quarantined on board the diamond princess, a cruise ship off the Japanese coast.&nbsp;

Another 211 students and 7 foreign nationals were brought to Delhi from Italy—the second most affected country by a novel coronavirus.

The government of India has responded swiftly and effectively in dealing with the first signs of the infection, which has, so far, affected more than 110 people and killed 2.&nbsp;

Apart from carrying out rescue operations, India has also provided 15 tonnes of medical and relief consignment to china.&nbsp;

Prime minister Narendra Modi has interacted with leaders of SAARC countries through a video conference. Allocating an initial fund of $10 million, PM Modi has called for setting up a rapid response team of doctors and experts to fight the coronavirus outbreak which is still in its benign, early stages in India.

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well.

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well. The deadly coronavirus has crippled large parts of the world, infecting over 1,69,000 and killing more than 6,500 people, mostly in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Porous borders, shortage of medical supplies and lack of awareness have made people more vulnerable to the lethal virus—forcing most countries to respond with strong measures to tackle the pandemic. India has been highly vigilant and proactive in fighting this global health emergency. It has managed to keep up its efforts in not just controlling the virus spread, but has also carried out timely rescue and evacuation of stranded citizens. January 28, 2020. India was one of the first countries to initiate evacuation processes after the news of the virus outbreak in Hubei was reported. Within a few days, 653 Indians and 7 Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan in two batches of 323 and 330. All of those rescued were monitored in quarantine either at ITBP Chhawla camp or at Manesar facility in the national capital region. Neighbourhood first policy has always remained important for India. Unlike, Pakistan which refused to bring back its own citizens from Wuhan, India has rescued both—its own citizens and nationals from countries. In its third leg of operations, India brought back 36 nationals belonging to 7 different countries. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar expressed their gratitude for Delhi's humanitarian action. India has a massive diaspora. More than 30 million of them living in different continents away from home. Among them were fisherman from Kerala stranded in Iran, a huge community of labourers in West Asia and Arabia as well. Collaborating with Tehran, minister of external affairs S Jaishankar and ambassador Dhamu Gaddam evacuated 389 people from Iran — in four batches. The latest ones to be evacuated were 52 students and a teacher from Tehran. An Air India flight in Delhi also landed from Tokyo carrying 119 Indians and 5 nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru—who were earlier quarantined on board the diamond princess, a cruise ship off the Japanese coast. Another 211 students and 7 foreign nationals were brought to Delhi from Italy—the second most affected country by a novel coronavirus. The government of India has responded swiftly and effectively in dealing with the first signs of the infection, which has, so far, affected more than 110 people and killed 2. Apart from carrying out rescue operations, India has also provided 15 tonnes of medical and relief consignment to china. Prime minister Narendra Modi has interacted with leaders of SAARC countries through a video conference. Allocating an initial fund of $10 million, PM Modi has called for setting up a rapid response team of doctors and experts to fight the coronavirus outbreak which is still in its benign, early stages in India.

Coronavirus outbreak: India emerges as a proactive nation in fighting global health emergency

One of the biggest industries to be hit by the long-term repercussions of the coronavirus is aviation. Thousands of flights have been cancelled globally, with stringent travel bans in place to contain the outbreak.

However, this helped create a new record!

On March 14, Air Tahiti Nui, a French airline undertook the longest ever passenger flight in terms of distance. The flight covered 15,715 kilometres from Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia to the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-the-global-aviation-industry-survive-coronavirus-related-slowdown-286815" hreflang="en">Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown?</a>

CNN reported that this new record was a result of the travel restrictions in place, especially the ones set up by the United States.

Usually, this route involves a halt at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 
 
If an aeroplane halts in the US, passengers have to undergo customs before continuing their journey.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1bc68b7-3a31-40e1-ace5-ee90e5f4b9f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_32.jpg" />

However, owing to current restrictions, this was impractical. So, the aircraft flew directly from Papeete airport to Paris and covered the journey in under 16 hours, making it the world's longest commercial flight, considering the distance which was covered.

The record was previously held by Singapore Airlines, which offers a flight between Singapore and Newark covering a distance of 15,343 kilometres.

An Australian carrier called Qantas tried something different last year. They undertook ''Project Sunrise'', whereby the aircraft flew for 19 hours non-stop between London and Sydney. However, no paying passengers were on board.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aviation-industry-hit-by-coronavirus-286814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This flight, TN064 is also the world's longest scheduled domestic flight, for it travelled within French territory, from French Polynesia and mainland France.

The aircraft crew included four pilots, and ran the next-generation Boeing 787-9, CNN reported.

Media reports suggest that the aircraft was not at all full, and was able to undertake the full journey without refuelling.

The airline, however, said that these are one-off measures, only in place until the coronavirus pandemic is in full swing. Most airlines around the world are trying to navigate across the contemporary aviation climate, whereby a lot of bans have crippled the scope of layovers and halts.

The International Air Transport Association has said that the revenue losses due to coronavirus could run as high as 113 billion dollars across the industry this year. 
&nbsp;

One of the biggest industries to be hit by the long-term repercussions of the coronavirus is aviation. Thousands of flights have been cancelled globally, with stringent travel bans in place to contain the outbreak.

One of the biggest industries to be hit by the long-term repercussions of the coronavirus is aviation. Thousands of flights have been cancelled globally, with stringent travel bans in place to contain the outbreak. However, this helped create a new record! On March 14, Air Tahiti Nui, a French airline undertook the longest ever passenger flight in terms of distance. The flight covered 15,715 kilometres from Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia to the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Also read: Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown? CNN reported that this new record was a result of the travel restrictions in place, especially the ones set up by the United States. Usually, this route involves a halt at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If an aeroplane halts in the US, passengers have to undergo customs before continuing their journey. However, owing to current restrictions, this was impractical. So, the aircraft flew directly from Papeete airport to Paris and covered the journey in under 16 hours, making it the world's longest commercial flight, considering the distance which was covered. The record was previously held by Singapore Airlines, which offers a flight between Singapore and Newark covering a distance of 15,343 kilometres. An Australian carrier called Qantas tried something different last year. They undertook ''Project Sunrise'', whereby the aircraft flew for 19 hours non-stop between London and Sydney. However, no paying passengers were on board. This flight, TN064 is also the world's longest scheduled domestic flight, for it travelled within French territory, from French Polynesia and mainland France. The aircraft crew included four pilots, and ran the next-generation Boeing 787-9, CNN reported. Media reports suggest that the aircraft was not at all full, and was able to undertake the full journey without refuelling. The airline, however, said that these are one-off measures, only in place until the coronavirus pandemic is in full swing. Most airlines around the world are trying to navigate across the contemporary aviation climate, whereby a lot of bans have crippled the scope of layovers and halts. The International Air Transport Association has said that the revenue losses due to coronavirus could run as high as 113 billion dollars across the industry this year.

Coronavirus helps set a new record: World's longest scheduled commercial flight ever!

Saudi Arabia has suspended aircraft and ship services Monday with nine countries amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Saudi Bans air and ship travel with 9 nations

India has successfully completed two rescue missions. Over 200 people have been brought back from two hotspots of the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak. This report has the details.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak, India evacuates over 200 people

Torrential rain brought floods to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta paralysing large parts of the city as rescue workers used boats to navigate streets.

Indonesia's Capital Jakarta could be under water by 2050

Special flights of the IAF and Air India evacuated foreigners and Indians from coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China and cruise ship in Japan. Union Health Minister Harshwardhan said that we are trying our best to evacuate Indians from Wuhan.

Coronavirus Updates: IAF, Air India carry out Evacuations

Australia recently announced that it will begin screening passengers arriving from China to limit the spread of a new mysterious coronavirus which is gaining traction in the Chinese mainland with new cases popping up in nearby countries like Japan and South Korea. The statement was put out by the country's chief medical officer.

Australian authorities had earlier claimed that limiting an outbreak would be very difficult.

The Chinese recently confirmed that more than 200 cases of the virus have been reported, with four deaths in the city of Wuhan.&nbsp;

The virus, as opposed to what was presumed, spreads from person-to-person, and causes a type of pneumonia.

<h6><img alt="iii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82c7a6fe-0b49-4816-8402-5f9f012d3cec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_51.jpg" /> 
A woman walks in front of the closed Huanan wholesale seafood market, where health authorities say a man who died from a respiratory illness had purchased goods from, in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, on January 12, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Additionally, the virus has recently reached Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, which has raised concerns about it spreading via air travel.

The Chief Medical Officer of the Australian government, Brendan Murphy recently said that ''biosecurity officials'' would begin screening passengers slated to arrive on the three weekly flights from Wuhan to Sydney.&nbsp;

"You cannot absolutely prevent the spread of disease into the country. The incubation period is probably a week," Murphy told reporters in Canberra.

According to official information reported by Reuters, passengers would be handed out a checklist pamphlet to ascertain whether anybody had contracted fever or the disease itself. However, Murphy clearly added that these measures are capable of offering only limited protection.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confirms-person-to-person-spread-of-the-new-virus-as-fourth-death-reported-275590">China confirms person-to-person spread of the new virus as fourth death reported</a>

"It's about identifying those with high risk and making sure those who have a high risk know about it and know how to get medical attention", Murphy added.

Australia receives a large horde of tourists from China: almost one million Chinese folks visited the continent-cum-country last year.

<h6><img alt="iiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95cc22d2-9468-42d8-a3a0-a12c29fff2bf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_58.jpg" /> 
Medical staff members carry a patient into the Jinyintan hospital, where patients infected by a mysterious SARS-like virus are being treated, in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 18, 2020&nbsp; | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Even though only three weekly flights ply from Wuhan to Sydney, Murphy suggested that people could arrive through other locations. About 160 flights come from China to Australia every year.

Fears of an epidemic have increased that China prepares for the Lunar New Year this week, which witnesses millions coming to and going from the country.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sars-like-virus-spreading-across-china-amid-140-new-cases-third-death-275342">SARS-like virus spreading across China amid 140 new cases, third death</a>

The Australian screening process would involve checking people for higher body temperatures, a technique used to limit the SARS outbreak earlier. Murphy claimed that this technique was ineffective and fostered a false sense of security.

The SARS outbreak, which had also begun in China, left 800 people dead around the world in 2002-03.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Australia recently announced that it will begin screening passengers arriving from China to limit the spread of a new mysterious coronavirus which is gaining traction in the Chinese mainland with new cases popping up in nearby countries like Japan and South Korea.

Australia recently announced that it will begin screening passengers arriving from China to limit the spread of a new mysterious coronavirus which is gaining traction in the Chinese mainland with new cases popping up in nearby countries like Japan and South Korea. The statement was put out by the country's chief medical officer. Australian authorities had earlier claimed that limiting an outbreak would be very difficult. The Chinese recently confirmed that more than 200 cases of the virus have been reported, with four deaths in the city of Wuhan. The virus, as opposed to what was presumed, spreads from person-to-person, and causes a type of pneumonia. A woman walks in front of the closed Huanan wholesale seafood market, where health authorities say a man who died from a respiratory illness had purchased goods from, in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, on January 12, 2020 | AFP Additionally, the virus has recently reached Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, which has raised concerns about it spreading via air travel. The Chief Medical Officer of the Australian government, Brendan Murphy recently said that ''biosecurity officials'' would begin screening passengers slated to arrive on the three weekly flights from Wuhan to Sydney. "You cannot absolutely prevent the spread of disease into the country. The incubation period is probably a week," Murphy told reporters in Canberra. According to official information reported by Reuters, passengers would be handed out a checklist pamphlet to ascertain whether anybody had contracted fever or the disease itself. However, Murphy clearly added that these measures are capable of offering only limited protection. Read more: China confirms person-to-person spread of the new virus as fourth death reported "It's about identifying those with high risk and making sure those who have a high risk know about it and know how to get medical attention", Murphy added. Australia receives a large horde of tourists from China: almost one million Chinese folks visited the continent-cum-country last year. Medical staff members carry a patient into the Jinyintan hospital, where patients infected by a mysterious SARS-like virus are being treated, in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 18, 2020 | AFP Even though only three weekly flights ply from Wuhan to Sydney, Murphy suggested that people could arrive through other locations. About 160 flights come from China to Australia every year. Fears of an epidemic have increased that China prepares for the Lunar New Year this week, which witnesses millions coming to and going from the country. Read more: SARS-like virus spreading across China amid 140 new cases, third death The Australian screening process would involve checking people for higher body temperatures, a technique used to limit the SARS outbreak earlier. Murphy claimed that this technique was ineffective and fostered a false sense of security. The SARS outbreak, which had also begun in China, left 800 people dead around the world in 2002-03. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia to begin screening passengers from China as coronavirus continues to spread

Unions protest in Paris against Macron's pension reform

Several Asian airlines have cut flights to Hong Kong over the coming weeks, according to industry scheduling publication Routes Online, as anti-government protests in the city grow increasingly violent and disrupt daily life.

Routes online said latest schedules showed cancellations from PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, India's SpiceJet Ltd, Malaysia's AirAsia Group Bhd, and the Philippines' PAL Holdings Inc and Cebu Air Inc.

The cuts come as Hong Kong police on Monday fired tear gas at protesters trying to escape a besieged university, while others armed with petrol bombs awaited an expected operation to oust them.

The unrest, raging for almost six months, and an escalating Sino-US&nbsp;trade war has pushed the Asian financial hub into recession for the first time in a decade.

On Monday, Routes Online showed Garuda has reduced weekly flights to Hong Kong to four from 21 through mid-December, SpiceJet has suspended its Mumbai-Hong Kong route through January&nbsp;15 and AirAsia has cut flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in December and January.

Garuda and SpiceJet did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. AirAsia said passenger numbers have been lower over the past few months and that it is adjusting capacity accordingly.

A spokeswoman for PAL Holdings' Philippine Airlines said the carrier was using smaller planes than usual for Hong Kong as passengers were postponing travel due to safety concerns. It has also cut daily flights from Manila to four from five, she said.

A spokeswoman for Cebu Air's Cebu Pacific said the budget carrier has cut flights from Cebu and Clark through December and January respectively due to softened demand. She said the airline nevertheless launched its Puerto Princesa-Hong Kong route on Sunday as scheduled.

Airport Authority Hong Kong on Sunday reported an October decline of 13 per cent&nbsp;in passengers and 6.1 per cent&nbsp;in the number of inbound and outbound flights - the steepest falls since the unrest began. It said a growing proportion of travellers were using Hong Kong as a transit point rather than a destination.

Last week, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said its business outlook was "challenging and uncertain" and that it has cut capacity and delayed four plane deliveries due to falling demand.

Major mainland Chinese carriers also reported double-digit declines in demand on so-called regional routes in September and October as protests in Hong Kong and travel restrictions to Taiwan took their toll, monthly traffic reports showed.

Routes Online said several Chinese carriers, including Air China Ltd, China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd and China Southern Airlines Co Ltd had filed for fresh capacity reductions to Hong Kong since late October.

China Eastern declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Air China and China Southern did not respond to requests for comment.

Several Asian airlines have cut flights to Hong Kong over the coming weeks, according to industry scheduling publication Routes Online, as anti-government protests in the city grow increasingly violent and disrupt daily life.

Several Asian airlines have cut flights to Hong Kong over the coming weeks, according to industry scheduling publication Routes Online, as anti-government protests in the city grow increasingly violent and disrupt daily life. Routes online said latest schedules showed cancellations from PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, India's SpiceJet Ltd, Malaysia's AirAsia Group Bhd, and the Philippines' PAL Holdings Inc and Cebu Air Inc. The cuts come as Hong Kong police on Monday fired tear gas at protesters trying to escape a besieged university, while others armed with petrol bombs awaited an expected operation to oust them. The unrest, raging for almost six months, and an escalating Sino-US trade war has pushed the Asian financial hub into recession for the first time in a decade. On Monday, Routes Online showed Garuda has reduced weekly flights to Hong Kong to four from 21 through mid-December, SpiceJet has suspended its Mumbai-Hong Kong route through January 15 and AirAsia has cut flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in December and January. Garuda and SpiceJet did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. AirAsia said passenger numbers have been lower over the past few months and that it is adjusting capacity accordingly. A spokeswoman for PAL Holdings' Philippine Airlines said the carrier was using smaller planes than usual for Hong Kong as passengers were postponing travel due to safety concerns. It has also cut daily flights from Manila to four from five, she said. A spokeswoman for Cebu Air's Cebu Pacific said the budget carrier has cut flights from Cebu and Clark through December and January respectively due to softened demand. She said the airline nevertheless launched its Puerto Princesa-Hong Kong route on Sunday as scheduled. Airport Authority Hong Kong on Sunday reported an October decline of 13 per cent in passengers and 6.1 per cent in the number of inbound and outbound flights - the steepest falls since the unrest began. It said a growing proportion of travellers were using Hong Kong as a transit point rather than a destination. Last week, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said its business outlook was "challenging and uncertain" and that it has cut capacity and delayed four plane deliveries due to falling demand. Major mainland Chinese carriers also reported double-digit declines in demand on so-called regional routes in September and October as protests in Hong Kong and travel restrictions to Taiwan took their toll, monthly traffic reports showed. Routes Online said several Chinese carriers, including Air China Ltd, China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd and China Southern Airlines Co Ltd had filed for fresh capacity reductions to Hong Kong since late October. China Eastern declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Air China and China Southern did not respond to requests for comment.

Asian airlines slash flights to Hong Kong as unrest escalates

Odd-Even road scheme to be implemented tomorrow.

Air Apocalypse in Delhi; Flights delayed, Visibility low in Delhi

French carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-xl-airways-seeks-rescue-deal-with-air-france-251933">Air&nbsp;France</a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;offset&nbsp;the carbon dioxide&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;of its 500-odd&nbsp;daily&nbsp;internal flights by 2020 at a cost of millions of euros, the company's CEO has announced.

In a bid to counteract its climate impact, the company will finance projects that support tree planting, forest protection and the global shift to less-polluting energy, Anne Rigail told Le Parisien newspaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It is an investment of several million euros, she said in an interview published late Monday, adding the company was acting "voluntarily".&nbsp;

Other projects would include banning single-use plastics such as cutlery from local flights as from January, and "to start separating and recycling waste" from October.&nbsp;

The airline industry has been under fire over its carbon&nbsp;emissions, which at 285 grammes of&nbsp;CO2&nbsp;emitted per kilometre travelled by each passenger, far exceed all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency.&nbsp;

Heavy-duty transportation, freight trucking, shipping and aviation, represent over a tenth of global greenhouse gas&nbsp;emissions, says the World Resources Institute, a research body.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;contribute to global warming and climate change, which scientists say will unleash ever harsher droughts, superstorms, and sea-level rise.

In July,&nbsp;France&nbsp;announced it would impose new taxes on plane tickets of between 1.50 and 18 euros per flight, a move criticised by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-france-emirates-maintain-cairo-flights-after-british-air-suspension-237472">Air&nbsp;France</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is meant to raise about 180 million euros a&nbsp;year&nbsp;to be invested in greener transport infrastructure.&nbsp;

Rigail said she did not know if there had been a drop in passenger numbers due to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-nobel-for-swedens-greta-thunberg-a-tough-decision-for-prize-committee-252010">campaign of "flight shaming"</a>&nbsp;spearheaded by 16-year-old schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, who has become a symbol of the fight against climate change.&nbsp;

French carrier Air France will offset the carbon dioxide emissions of its 500-odd daily internal flights by 2020 at a cost of millions of euros, the company's CEO has announced.

French carrier Air France will offset the carbon dioxide emissions of its 500-odd daily internal flights by 2020 at a cost of millions of euros, the company's CEO has announced. In a bid to counteract its climate impact, the company will finance projects that support tree planting, forest protection and the global shift to less-polluting energy, Anne Rigail told Le Parisien newspaper. "It is an investment of several million euros, she said in an interview published late Monday, adding the company was acting "voluntarily". Other projects would include banning single-use plastics such as cutlery from local flights as from January, and "to start separating and recycling waste" from October. The airline industry has been under fire over its carbon emissions, which at 285 grammes of CO2 emitted per kilometre travelled by each passenger, far exceed all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency. Heavy-duty transportation, freight trucking, shipping and aviation, represent over a tenth of global greenhouse gas emissions, says the World Resources Institute, a research body. The emissions contribute to global warming and climate change, which scientists say will unleash ever harsher droughts, superstorms, and sea-level rise. In July, France announced it would impose new taxes on plane tickets of between 1.50 and 18 euros per flight, a move criticised by Air France. It is meant to raise about 180 million euros a year to be invested in greener transport infrastructure. Rigail said she did not know if there had been a drop in passenger numbers due to a campaign of "flight shaming" spearheaded by 16-year-old schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, who has become a symbol of the fight against climate change.

Air France to offset daily CO2 emissions by next year

In an effort to give comfort to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-four-pumps-brought-to-remove-floodwaters-accelerate-relief-work-death-toll-reaches-40-253055">rain-hit Bihar</a>, Air India on Tuesday announced that it has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, and cancellation and refund charges for travel to and from Patna, for both domestic as well as international flights.

The waive-off is for both domestic and international flights for up to October 3.

"#FlyAI: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers #Airindia has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom &amp; Int flights for travel up to 3rd October,19," Air India announced in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAI</a>: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Airindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Airindia</a> has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show,cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom &amp; Int flights for travel upto 3rdOct,19
— Air India (@airindiain) <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain/status/1178959609140137985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As many as 40 people have died and many are injured in the state due to incessant rain and floods in many parts of Bihar, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, 40 people are dead whereas nine are injured, due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the state.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue.

As per the weather forecasting report by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-predicts-heavy-rainfall-over-bihar-sikkim-252670">India Meteorological Department</a>, Patna is likely to receive more rainfall for the next few days accompanied by thunderstorms.

In an effort to give comfort to rain-hit Bihar, Air India on Tuesday announced that it has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, and cancellation and refund charges for travel to and from Patna, for both domestic as well as international flights.

In an effort to give comfort to rain-hit Bihar, Air India on Tuesday announced that it has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, and cancellation and refund charges for travel to and from Patna, for both domestic as well as international flights. The waive-off is for both domestic and international flights for up to October 3. "#FlyAI: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers #Airindia has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom & Int flights for travel up to 3rd October,19," Air India announced in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon. #FlyAI: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers #Airindia has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show,cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom & Int flights for travel upto 3rdOct,19 — Air India (@airindiain) October 1, 2019 × As many as 40 people have died and many are injured in the state due to incessant rain and floods in many parts of Bihar, officials said on Tuesday. According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, 40 people are dead whereas nine are injured, due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the state. On Sunday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue. As per the weather forecasting report by India Meteorological Department, Patna is likely to receive more rainfall for the next few days accompanied by thunderstorms.

Bihar: Air India waives off penalties on cancellation, refund for flights to and from Patna till October 3

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-dgca-suspends-pilots-license-for-3-months-in-runway-incursion-case-246899">suspended the licenses</a> of two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/spicejet-to-shift-entire-operation-to-terminal-2-of-mumbai-airport-244513">SpiceJet</a> pilots for four months each over the June 13 flight from Hyderabad to Jaipur, which suffered cabin pressurisation failure.

The incident occurred on a B737-800 operated as flight SG 341.

The civil aviation watchdog said that one of the pilots,&nbsp;Captain Sunil Mehta had forgotten to put the bleed switch on during cockpit preparation, departure briefing and after takeoff checklist which resulted in pressurisation failure during the climb.

The second pilot, Captain Vikram Singh had called out bleeds 'on'&nbsp;during after takeoff checklist.

"However, bleeds were still in off position which resulted into pressurisation failure during a climb," the DGCA said in its suspension letter, adding that the action jeopardised the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

"In exercise of the powers delegated under Clause (a) of the Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 19 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the undersigned hereby suspend the license of Captain Sunil Mehta and Captain Vikram Singh for a period of four months from the date of the incident," the civil aviation watchdog said.

Earlier on September 23, the DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the pilots giving them a time period of 15 days to explain why action should not be taken against them.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended the licenses of two SpiceJet pilots for four months each over the June 13 flight from Hyderabad to Jaipur, which suffered cabin pressurisation failure.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended the licenses of two SpiceJet pilots for four months each over the June 13 flight from Hyderabad to Jaipur, which suffered cabin pressurisation failure. The incident occurred on a B737-800 operated as flight SG 341. The civil aviation watchdog said that one of the pilots, Captain Sunil Mehta had forgotten to put the bleed switch on during cockpit preparation, departure briefing and after takeoff checklist which resulted in pressurisation failure during the climb. The second pilot, Captain Vikram Singh had called out bleeds 'on' during after takeoff checklist. "However, bleeds were still in off position which resulted into pressurisation failure during a climb," the DGCA said in its suspension letter, adding that the action jeopardised the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. "In exercise of the powers delegated under Clause (a) of the Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 19 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the undersigned hereby suspend the license of Captain Sunil Mehta and Captain Vikram Singh for a period of four months from the date of the incident," the civil aviation watchdog said. Earlier on September 23, the DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to the pilots giving them a time period of 15 days to explain why action should not be taken against them.

Two SpiceJet pilots suspended over air pressurisation failure in flight

Solar panels, vegan diets, no flights: Meet America's climate revolutionaries

Fights erupted in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hills-shine-with-protest-lights-in-festival-themed-rally-249521">Hong Kong</a> on Saturday with political rivals trading blows <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-plan-shopping-mall-sit-ins-after-hill-top-human-chains-249585">in a mall and Beijing supporters using Chinese flags to assault</a>&nbsp;opponents on a street, deepening the city's polarisation after months of pro-democracy protests.

The once-stable international hub has been convulsed by weeks of huge, sometimes violent rallies calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

The movement is the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city was handed back by Britain in 1997 and shows no sign of ending, with city leaders and Beijing taking a hard line.

Fights have begun breaking out with increased frequency after pro-democracy supporters began holding impromptu singalongs of a popular protest anthem&nbsp;and as pro- Beijing supporters have held rival gatherings to sing China's national anthem.

In the district of Fortress Hill on Saturday, a group of men, many waving Chinese flags and wearing blue t-shirts declaring "I love HK police", attacked people perceived to be pro-democracy protesters.

Multiple videos posted online showed the group of men assaulting largely younger victims with large flags on poles and with punches and kicks as terrified onlookers ran away.

Hong Kong police did not respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Fortress Hill is next to North Point, an area of the city where similar mob attacks by government supporters have occurred this summer and which has long been a bastion of pro-Beijing sentiment.

Shortly before the assaults, the men were filmed tearing down post-it notes and posters on a nearby "Lennon Wall", pro-democracy billboards which have sprung up across the city.

Within hours, the wall was back up as crowds put up new slogans and messages.

"It makes me so angry," a 37-year-old local pro-democracy protester, who gave her first name as Ed, told AFP.

"These walls are a form of emotional support, it shows the movement is still alive. But even if they destroy it, we will just build it again."

Bloody mall brawl

Fights later broke out between pro-China and pro-democracy supporters in Amoy Plaza, a shopping centre on the other side of the harbour.

An AFP photographer at the scene said some two hundred people had gathered to wave Chinese flags and sing the national anthem.

Violence erupted after pro-democracy supporters arrived on the scene with several people on both sides visibly bloodied and bruised.

Police with shields and helmets later rushed into the mall, ending the fights.

Some young pro-democracy supporters were seen being detained outside and inside the mall by police.

The South China Morning Post said fights also broke out between ideological rivals in a subway station.

Democracy protesters have accused police of taking sides, clamping down harder on their camp than violent government supporters accusations the force has strongly denied.

An attack by pro-government men with sticks in the town of Yuen Long in July which left more than 40 people hospitalised sent anger soaring after police were accused to taking too long to get to the incident and failing to arrest the aggressors on site.

Hong Kong has been battered by nearly 100 days of protests, sparked by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the mainland.

But with few concessions won so far the movement has snowballed into wider calls for democracy and a halt to sliding freedoms under Beijing's rule.

Millions have taken part in huge, largely peaceful demonstrations.

But smaller groups of hardline protesters have fought increasingly violent battles with riot police and vandalised subway stations in scenes that have sent shockwaves through the once-stable financial hub.

Under a deal signed with Britain ahead of the city's 1997 handover to China, Hong Kong is allowed to keep its unique freedoms for 50 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-seeks-trump-us-congress-support-249535">Democracy activists</a> accuse Beijing of reneging on those promises by ramping up political control over the semi-autonomous territory.

Activists and analysts say the movement will only end when some other key demands are met, such as an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the nearly 1,400 people arrested and universal suffrage.

But there is little sign of Beijing agreeing to those demands.

Plans by demonstrators to hold a large rally on Sunday have been rejected by the police.

Previous bans have simply been ignored by the masses and clashes with police have quickly followed.

Protesters have also called for rallies the next two weekends and a general strike starting in October.

Fights erupted in Hong Kong on Saturday with political rivals trading blows in a mall and Beijing supporters using Chinese flags to assault opponents on a street, deepening the city's polarisation after months of pro-democracy protests.

Fights erupted in Hong Kong on Saturday with political rivals trading blows in a mall and Beijing supporters using Chinese flags to assault opponents on a street, deepening the city's polarisation after months of pro-democracy protests. The once-stable international hub has been convulsed by weeks of huge, sometimes violent rallies calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. The movement is the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city was handed back by Britain in 1997 and shows no sign of ending, with city leaders and Beijing taking a hard line. Fights have begun breaking out with increased frequency after pro-democracy supporters began holding impromptu singalongs of a popular protest anthem and as pro- Beijing supporters have held rival gatherings to sing China's national anthem. In the district of Fortress Hill on Saturday, a group of men, many waving Chinese flags and wearing blue t-shirts declaring "I love HK police", attacked people perceived to be pro-democracy protesters. Multiple videos posted online showed the group of men assaulting largely younger victims with large flags on poles and with punches and kicks as terrified onlookers ran away. Hong Kong police did not respond to a request for comment on the incident. Fortress Hill is next to North Point, an area of the city where similar mob attacks by government supporters have occurred this summer and which has long been a bastion of pro-Beijing sentiment. Shortly before the assaults, the men were filmed tearing down post-it notes and posters on a nearby "Lennon Wall", pro-democracy billboards which have sprung up across the city. Within hours, the wall was back up as crowds put up new slogans and messages. "It makes me so angry," a 37-year-old local pro-democracy protester, who gave her first name as Ed, told AFP. "These walls are a form of emotional support, it shows the movement is still alive. But even if they destroy it, we will just build it again." Bloody mall brawl Fights later broke out between pro-China and pro-democracy supporters in Amoy Plaza, a shopping centre on the other side of the harbour. An AFP photographer at the scene said some two hundred people had gathered to wave Chinese flags and sing the national anthem. Violence erupted after pro-democracy supporters arrived on the scene with several people on both sides visibly bloodied and bruised. Police with shields and helmets later rushed into the mall, ending the fights. Some young pro-democracy supporters were seen being detained outside and inside the mall by police. The South China Morning Post said fights also broke out between ideological rivals in a subway station. Democracy protesters have accused police of taking sides, clamping down harder on their camp than violent government supporters accusations the force has strongly denied. An attack by pro-government men with sticks in the town of Yuen Long in July which left more than 40 people hospitalised sent anger soaring after police were accused to taking too long to get to the incident and failing to arrest the aggressors on site. Hong Kong has been battered by nearly 100 days of protests, sparked by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the mainland. But with few concessions won so far the movement has snowballed into wider calls for democracy and a halt to sliding freedoms under Beijing's rule. Millions have taken part in huge, largely peaceful demonstrations. But smaller groups of hardline protesters have fought increasingly violent battles with riot police and vandalised subway stations in scenes that have sent shockwaves through the once-stable financial hub. Under a deal signed with Britain ahead of the city's 1997 handover to China, Hong Kong is allowed to keep its unique freedoms for 50 years. Democracy activists accuse Beijing of reneging on those promises by ramping up political control over the semi-autonomous territory. Activists and analysts say the movement will only end when some other key demands are met, such as an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the nearly 1,400 people arrested and universal suffrage. But there is little sign of Beijing agreeing to those demands. Plans by demonstrators to hold a large rally on Sunday have been rejected by the police. Previous bans have simply been ignored by the masses and clashes with police have quickly followed. Protesters have also called for rallies the next two weekends and a general strike starting in October.

Mall brawls and street fights as Hong Kong polarisation deepens

Flights were cancelled after protesters took over terminals

Breaking News: Hong Kong airport cancels departing flights

All flights suspended at Hong Kong airport today.

WION Playlist: Protests continue at Hong Kong Airport

Air India has capped fares of all its flights to and from Srinagar till August 15, a spokesperson for the airline said on Sunday.

Speaking to ANI, AI spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said the national carrier has capped fares at Rs 9500 after Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday issued a security advisory for tourists and Amarnath Yatris asking them to leave the Valley immediately citing security concerns.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has advised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-airlines-to-prepare-extra-flights-for-srinagar-tourists-amarnath-yatris-dgca-240337">airlines to rein in surging airfares for pilgrims</a> returning from Amarnath Yatra.

Airfares for flights from Srinagar over the weekend shot up to abnormally high levels following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britain-issues-travel-advisory-to-citizens-travelling-to-kashmir-over-amarnath-alert-240502">security advisory for tourists and pilgrims</a>.

For a one-way direct flight from Srinagar to Delhi, even low-cost airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and AirAsia charged between Rs 10,000 to Rs 22,000, according to travel portals, as against around Rs 3,000.

Similarly, from Srinagar to Jammu, flight rates on Saturday were Rs 16,000. Other places like Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jaipur also witnessed a jump in airfares ranging between Rs 10,000 to Rs 19,000.

Web portals of several airlines with flights from Srinagar on Saturday and Sunday showed that virtually all seats were sold out.

The advisory to Amarnath Yatris was issued after it was announced in a joint press conference of the Army and police forces in Srinagar that weapons and ammunition were recovered in the Amarnath Yatra route.

They also said terrorists from Pakistan were planning to launch an attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, based on credible inputs.

In view of the additional rush of passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had on Friday asked Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar to fly out Amarnath Yatris and tourists from the Valley.

Soon after DGCA's directions, airlines made announcements to give a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all its flights to/from Srinagar.

&nbsp;

Air India has capped fares of all its flights to and from Srinagar till August 15, a spokesperson for the airline said on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, AI spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said the national carrier has capped fares at Rs 9500 after Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday issued a security advisory for tourists and Amarnath Yatris asking them to leave the Valley immediately citing security concerns.

Air India has capped fares of all its flights to and from Srinagar till August 15, a spokesperson for the airline said on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, AI spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said the national carrier has capped fares at Rs 9500 after Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday issued a security advisory for tourists and Amarnath Yatris asking them to leave the Valley immediately citing security concerns. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has advised airlines to rein in surging airfares for pilgrims returning from Amarnath Yatra. Airfares for flights from Srinagar over the weekend shot up to abnormally high levels following the security advisory for tourists and pilgrims. For a one-way direct flight from Srinagar to Delhi, even low-cost airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and AirAsia charged between Rs 10,000 to Rs 22,000, according to travel portals, as against around Rs 3,000. Similarly, from Srinagar to Jammu, flight rates on Saturday were Rs 16,000. Other places like Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jaipur also witnessed a jump in airfares ranging between Rs 10,000 to Rs 19,000. Web portals of several airlines with flights from Srinagar on Saturday and Sunday showed that virtually all seats were sold out. The advisory to Amarnath Yatris was issued after it was announced in a joint press conference of the Army and police forces in Srinagar that weapons and ammunition were recovered in the Amarnath Yatra route. They also said terrorists from Pakistan were planning to launch an attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, based on credible inputs. In view of the additional rush of passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had on Friday asked Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar to fly out Amarnath Yatris and tourists from the Valley. Soon after DGCA's directions, airlines made announcements to give a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all its flights to/from Srinagar.

Air India caps fares of flights to and from Srinagar till August 15

In view of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-turns-very-severe-10-districts-of-gujarat-on-alert-226555">approaching Cyclone Vayu</a>, Airports Authority of India (AAI) suspended flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight IST today to 12 midnight tomorrow.

Senior management of AAI took stock of the preparedness of airports in Gujarat today through a video conference on Wednesday.

As per the technical circular issued by AAI, this is done keeping safety in mind and in order to minimise damage to the airport infrastructure and to avoid inconvenience to any of stakeholders including passengers, AAI The Regional Executive Director (Western Region), AAI and all Airport Directors in Gujarat have been advised to be in readiness to handle any exigency occurring out of this natural calamity and to issue appropriate NOTAM action.

Equipment and heavy machinery have been moved to safety at respective airports and the Airport Directors of AAI's Bhuj and Jamnagar Airports have been asked to write to the Indian Air Force to suspend operations of civil flights from these two airports also.

Watch: Hundreds and thousands of people evacuated as Cyclone Vayu inches closer

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gujarat-evacuates-hundreds-of-thousands-as-cyclone-vayu-builds-fury-226586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A decision in respect of suspending operations at AAI's Surat Airport will be taken after analysing the weather.

As per the latest information received, a total of 27 flights got diverted till 7:50 pm today.&nbsp;

'Vayu'&nbsp;is expected to make landfall as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm in the south of Veraval and Porbandar on Thursday, the IMD said on Wednesday.

MeT Department Director RK Jenamani said, "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'VAYU'&nbsp;is about 280 km from the south of Veraval and 360 km from the south of Porbandar in Gujarat. It will cross Gujarat coast between Dwarka and Veraval as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed 155-165 kmph around the afternoon of June 13."

"Cyclones are naturally formed in the sea and they are formed due to the low pressure of the wind. VAYU has intensified and moved ahead towards North. Vayu's intensity is of a severe cyclonic storm. It is moving in the northern direction. Tomorrow it is expected to touch Gujarat's coast. Heavy rain would take place," he added.

"We are estimating that what impact can the cyclone have. On June 16 and 17, Delhi would see a rainfall. Our meteorological centre in Ahmadabad is very closely in contact with the Gujarat government.&nbsp;

Around 2.15 lakh people have been shifted and more than 500 villages have been evacuated from the coastal regions.

"People are also supporting us in the evacuation process. From midnight police will be patrolling the vulnerable areas. According to IMD, Vayu cyclone is far away, around 280 km from Veraval and 360 km away from Porbandar," Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat Revenue Department said.

36 teams of NDRF are deployed and 11 more team is ready. Nine teams of SRDF, 14 companies of SRP, 300 marine commandos have also been deployed. Besides 9 helicopters have also been placed at strategic points, the Coast Guard said.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in a statement said that it has deployed its 40 rescue and relief teams along the coastal areas of Gujarat and Diu in the wake of anticipated cyclonic storm Vayu.

"36 teams have been pre-positioned/deployed at Kutch, Morbi, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Junagarh, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Valsad, Surat and Gandhi Nagar while 04 teams have been pre-positioned at Diu for a prompt response," it said in a statement.

NDRF teams are assisting the local administration in evacuating the people to safer places. "Today, NDRF teams relocated over 74,000 people from coastal areas of Morbi, Bhavnagar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Jam Nagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Porbandar, Rajkot and Amreli districts of Gujarat. The evacuation is still in progress," it said.

In addition, 6 NDRF teams each are being airlifted from Patna Airport and INS Rajali to Gujarat. This will raise the number to 52 teams in Gujarat (47 teams) and Diu (05 Teams) for assisting the local administration in rescue and relief work.

Director General, NDRF is regularly coordinating with the concerned authorities for an effective response during the anticipated cyclonic storm, the statement said.

The cyclone is expected to touch Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph on the morning of June 13.

Cyclone Vayu is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat along with storm surge, which may cause inundation in the low lying coastal areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, Gir, Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts at the time of landfall.&nbsp;

In view of the approaching Cyclone Vayu, Airports Authority of India (AAI) suspended flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight IST today to 12 midnight tomorrow.

In view of the approaching Cyclone Vayu, Airports Authority of India (AAI) suspended flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight IST today to 12 midnight tomorrow. Senior management of AAI took stock of the preparedness of airports in Gujarat today through a video conference on Wednesday. As per the technical circular issued by AAI, this is done keeping safety in mind and in order to minimise damage to the airport infrastructure and to avoid inconvenience to any of stakeholders including passengers, AAI The Regional Executive Director (Western Region), AAI and all Airport Directors in Gujarat have been advised to be in readiness to handle any exigency occurring out of this natural calamity and to issue appropriate NOTAM action. Equipment and heavy machinery have been moved to safety at respective airports and the Airport Directors of AAI's Bhuj and Jamnagar Airports have been asked to write to the Indian Air Force to suspend operations of civil flights from these two airports also. Watch: Hundreds and thousands of people evacuated as Cyclone Vayu inches closer × A decision in respect of suspending operations at AAI's Surat Airport will be taken after analysing the weather. As per the latest information received, a total of 27 flights got diverted till 7:50 pm today. 'Vayu' is expected to make landfall as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm in the south of Veraval and Porbandar on Thursday, the IMD said on Wednesday. MeT Department Director RK Jenamani said, "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'VAYU' is about 280 km from the south of Veraval and 360 km from the south of Porbandar in Gujarat. It will cross Gujarat coast between Dwarka and Veraval as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed 155-165 kmph around the afternoon of June 13." "Cyclones are naturally formed in the sea and they are formed due to the low pressure of the wind. VAYU has intensified and moved ahead towards North. Vayu's intensity is of a severe cyclonic storm. It is moving in the northern direction. Tomorrow it is expected to touch Gujarat's coast. Heavy rain would take place," he added. "We are estimating that what impact can the cyclone have. On June 16 and 17, Delhi would see a rainfall. Our meteorological centre in Ahmadabad is very closely in contact with the Gujarat government. Around 2.15 lakh people have been shifted and more than 500 villages have been evacuated from the coastal regions. "People are also supporting us in the evacuation process. From midnight police will be patrolling the vulnerable areas. According to IMD, Vayu cyclone is far away, around 280 km from Veraval and 360 km away from Porbandar," Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat Revenue Department said. 36 teams of NDRF are deployed and 11 more team is ready. Nine teams of SRDF, 14 companies of SRP, 300 marine commandos have also been deployed. Besides 9 helicopters have also been placed at strategic points, the Coast Guard said. Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in a statement said that it has deployed its 40 rescue and relief teams along the coastal areas of Gujarat and Diu in the wake of anticipated cyclonic storm Vayu. "36 teams have been pre-positioned/deployed at Kutch, Morbi, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Junagarh, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Valsad, Surat and Gandhi Nagar while 04 teams have been pre-positioned at Diu for a prompt response," it said in a statement. NDRF teams are assisting the local administration in evacuating the people to safer places. "Today, NDRF teams relocated over 74,000 people from coastal areas of Morbi, Bhavnagar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Jam Nagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Porbandar, Rajkot and Amreli districts of Gujarat. The evacuation is still in progress," it said. In addition, 6 NDRF teams each are being airlifted from Patna Airport and INS Rajali to Gujarat. This will raise the number to 52 teams in Gujarat (47 teams) and Diu (05 Teams) for assisting the local administration in rescue and relief work. Director General, NDRF is regularly coordinating with the concerned authorities for an effective response during the anticipated cyclonic storm, the statement said. The cyclone is expected to touch Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph on the morning of June 13. Cyclone Vayu is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat along with storm surge, which may cause inundation in the low lying coastal areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, Gir, Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts at the time of landfall.

Flight operations in Gujarat suspended as Cyclone Vayu approaches

IndiGo on Wednesday announced that it will start six new domestic flights to and from Kolkata from July 20.

Moreover, the no-frills airline said it will start a third direct flight on Delhi-Kathmandu route from July 4.&nbsp;

"Effective July 20, IndiGo will operate daily non-stop flights on Shillong-Kolkata and Raipur-Kolkata route with its ATR-18 aircraft," the airline said.&nbsp;

IndiGo is the country's largest carrier as it had 44.3 per cent share of the domestic passenger market in first quarter of 2019, according to DGCA data.

Chief Commercial Officer of IndiGo William Boulter Wednesday said, "We are strengthening our network from Kolkata with six new flights including a new RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) route. Kolkata-Shillong-Kolkata, our next RCS route, will significantly increase connectivity and tourist traffic in the northeast region."

"Shillong, an important city in the northeast, will be the 54th domestic destination in our network," he said.

The airline also said that effective July 4, 2019, it will operate a new daily flight on Delhi-Kathmandu route, which will depart from Delhi at 7.15 am and land in Nepal's capital at 9.20 am.

IndiGo added that the new return flight will depart from Kathmandu at 10.25 am and arrive in Delhi at 12 noon.

"Kathmandu is an important market for us and strengthening connectivity on this route will give a fillip to tourism in both the destinations," Boulter said.&nbsp;

IndiGo on Wednesday announced that it will start six new domestic flights to and from Kolkata from July 20. Moreover, the no-frills airline said it will start a third direct flight on Delhi-Kathmandu route from July 4.

IndiGo on Wednesday announced that it will start six new domestic flights to and from Kolkata from July 20. Moreover, the no-frills airline said it will start a third direct flight on Delhi-Kathmandu route from July 4. "Effective July 20, IndiGo will operate daily non-stop flights on Shillong-Kolkata and Raipur-Kolkata route with its ATR-18 aircraft," the airline said. IndiGo is the country's largest carrier as it had 44.3 per cent share of the domestic passenger market in first quarter of 2019, according to DGCA data. Chief Commercial Officer of IndiGo William Boulter Wednesday said, "We are strengthening our network from Kolkata with six new flights including a new RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) route. Kolkata-Shillong-Kolkata, our next RCS route, will significantly increase connectivity and tourist traffic in the northeast region." "Shillong, an important city in the northeast, will be the 54th domestic destination in our network," he said. The airline also said that effective July 4, 2019, it will operate a new daily flight on Delhi-Kathmandu route, which will depart from Delhi at 7.15 am and land in Nepal's capital at 9.20 am. IndiGo added that the new return flight will depart from Kathmandu at 10.25 am and arrive in Delhi at 12 noon. "Kathmandu is an important market for us and strengthening connectivity on this route will give a fillip to tourism in both the destinations," Boulter said.

IndiGo to start six new flights connecting Kolkata from July 20

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.&nbsp;

The airlines, therefore, have been issuing boarding passes manually since 5.30 pm, the official added.&nbsp;

The AAI owns and manages more than 100 airports - including the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata - across the country.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
West Bengal: Over 20 flights delayed at Kolkata airport after a fault in Local Area Network inside the airport. Issue started around 5:15 pm after which all airlines started issuing boarding pass manually. Airport authorities say IT Team working on the issue. <a href="https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk">https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1127953107755970561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Internet server has been down since 5.30 pm and it is likely to start working from 10.30 pm today. Around 25 flights have been delayed in between 5.30 pm and 9 pm by an average time of 20-25 minutes," said the AAI official.

The official added that the IT team of the AAI is working diligently to resolve the issue.

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.

Around 25 flights have been delayed at Kolkata airport as its Internet server has gone down since 5.30 pm on Monday, a senior official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said. The airlines, therefore, have been issuing boarding passes manually since 5.30 pm, the official added. The AAI owns and manages more than 100 airports - including the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata - across the country. West Bengal: Over 20 flights delayed at Kolkata airport after a fault in Local Area Network inside the airport. Issue started around 5:15 pm after which all airlines started issuing boarding pass manually. Airport authorities say IT Team working on the issue. https://t.co/ouDpHOeNIk — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2019 × "The Internet server has been down since 5.30 pm and it is likely to start working from 10.30 pm today. Around 25 flights have been delayed in between 5.30 pm and 9 pm by an average time of 20-25 minutes," said the AAI official. The official added that the IT team of the AAI is working diligently to resolve the issue.

Around 25 flights delayed at Kolkata airport as Internet server goes down

As many as 29 Air India flights were delayed by over an hour on Monday as the airline's operations continued to be impacted by the software shutdown that happened on Saturday.

While the glitch experienced by the check-in software system was fixed on Saturday itself, the airline grappled with the fallout for the third day on Monday.

An airline spokesperson said 352 flights were operated on Monday and 29 of them were delayed due to the system glitch that happened on Saturday.

The 29 flights were delayed by more than 60 minutes, the spokesperson added.

Following the glitch, 149 flights and 137 flights were delayed on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Air India's Passenger Service System (PSS) software, which takes care of check-in, baggage and reservation, was non-functional for more than five hours on Saturday.

The PSS software is owned and managed by Atlanta-based SITA.&nbsp;

As many as 29 Air India flights were delayed by over an hour on Monday as the airline's operations continued to be impacted by the software shutdown that happened on Saturday.

As many as 29 Air India flights were delayed by over an hour on Monday as the airline's operations continued to be impacted by the software shutdown that happened on Saturday. While the glitch experienced by the check-in software system was fixed on Saturday itself, the airline grappled with the fallout for the third day on Monday. An airline spokesperson said 352 flights were operated on Monday and 29 of them were delayed due to the system glitch that happened on Saturday. The 29 flights were delayed by more than 60 minutes, the spokesperson added. Following the glitch, 149 flights and 137 flights were delayed on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Air India's Passenger Service System (PSS) software, which takes care of check-in, baggage and reservation, was non-functional for more than five hours on Saturday. The PSS software is owned and managed by Atlanta-based SITA.

Air India continues to face software shutdown impact; 29 flights delayed on Monday

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-indias-operations-hit-globally-due-to-technical-glitch-official-213832">five-hour shutdown of Air India's check-in software</a>, which occurred Saturday morning, is still causing its ripple effect as the airline said 137 flights will be running with a delay on Sunday.

The average duration of delay -- on these 137 flights of Sunday -- would be of 197 minutes, the airline's spokesperson said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/155-flights-delayed-as-air-indias-check-in-software-shuts-down-for-more-than-5-hours-213892">Thousands of passengers had a harrowing time Saturday morning</a> at&nbsp;airports across the world as Air India's passenger service system (PSS) software, which looks after check-in, baggage and reservation, did not function from 3.30 am to 8.45 am due to a technical glitch.

The spokesperson said total 149 flights were delayed on Saturday because of the software shutdown.?

When asked about its effect on Sunday, he said, "Due to delay in first sector, 137 flights are delayed by 197 minutes (average)."

Once an aircraft is delayed in first sector, it is bound to be delayed in the second and third sectors as well. An aircraft generally goes from one sector to another during the day. For example, while Delhi-Mumbai is one sector, Mumbai-Bengaluru is another sector and Bengaluru-Chennai is the third sector.

The average number of flights that Air India group, which also includes subsidiaries Alliance Air and Air India Express, flies daily is 674.

The five-hour shutdown of Air India's check-in software, which occurred Saturday morning, is still causing its ripple effect as the airline said 137 flights will be running with a delay on Sunday.

The five-hour shutdown of Air India's check-in software, which occurred Saturday morning, is still causing its ripple effect as the airline said 137 flights will be running with a delay on Sunday. The average duration of delay -- on these 137 flights of Sunday -- would be of 197 minutes, the airline's spokesperson said. Thousands of passengers had a harrowing time Saturday morning at airports across the world as Air India's passenger service system (PSS) software, which looks after check-in, baggage and reservation, did not function from 3.30 am to 8.45 am due to a technical glitch. The spokesperson said total 149 flights were delayed on Saturday because of the software shutdown.? When asked about its effect on Sunday, he said, "Due to delay in first sector, 137 flights are delayed by 197 minutes (average)." Once an aircraft is delayed in first sector, it is bound to be delayed in the second and third sectors as well. An aircraft generally goes from one sector to another during the day. For example, while Delhi-Mumbai is one sector, Mumbai-Bengaluru is another sector and Bengaluru-Chennai is the third sector. The average number of flights that Air India group, which also includes subsidiaries Alliance Air and Air India Express, flies daily is 674.

Air India software shutdown effect: 137 flights to be delayed today

Watch Gravitas full segment and know what has been the most trending and important stories of the day. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: WION Gravitas, 15th April, 2019

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered.

As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India.

Furthermore, a number of flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were put on hold at the runway as visibility dipped severely. However, no flights were diverted or cancelled.

In addition to inclement weather, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of locals in the national capital and surrounding areas.

According to SAFAR, Air Quality Index (AQI) at Delhi's Lodhi Road area saw major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 docking in the 'poor' category at 206 and 216, respectively.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered. As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India.

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered. As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India. Furthermore, a number of flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were put on hold at the runway as visibility dipped severely. However, no flights were diverted or cancelled. In addition to inclement weather, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of locals in the national capital and surrounding areas. According to SAFAR, Air Quality Index (AQI) at Delhi's Lodhi Road area saw major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 docking in the 'poor' category at 206 and 216, respectively. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Thick fog engulfs Delhi: Several trains, flights delayed; air quality dips

Flights between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-expert-to-visit-turkey-for-international-inquiry-in-khashoggi-murder-192754&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwilz-aFqIvgAhUHTY8KHQPlApQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw36tLeojTpCDmcNt-BObaCq">Turkey</a> and the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah resumed Saturday, according to aviation authorities, after a 16-month air blockade imposed by Ankara over an independence referendum.

Kurds in the administratively autonomous northern region overwhelmingly voted for independence in a non-binding referendum in September 2017 that infuriated Baghdad as well as Iraq's neighbours, Turkey and Iran.

In retaliation, Baghdad and Ankara blocked international flights from the two main Iraqi Kurdish cities of Arbil and Sulaimaniyah.

Almost all those <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/traffic-restrictions-in-delhi-as-country-celebrates-70th-republic-day-192836&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjd_dz9qIvgAhVWi3AKHQgsC84QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Iebe-r6uHQ_C58TOKnsvg">restrictions</a> were lifted last year but Turkey — which fears its own Kurdish minority could be inspired to push for independence — had maintained its blockade on Sulaimaniyah until Saturday.&nbsp;

"Implementing the Turkish government's decision to lift the air blockade on international fights from Sulaimaniyah, the first Turkish Airlines flight landed early this morning and returned to Turkey," said Sulaimaniyah airport chief Taher Abdallah.

He said the blockade cost the airport more than $5 million in 2018.&nbsp;

Iraqi Airways would resume flights between Sulaimaniyah and Istanbul in the coming days, civil air authorities said.

That brings air traffic to and from the Iraqi Kurdish region back to its status before the 2017 referendum.&nbsp;

At the time, the federal government rejected the poll as "illegal," imposed economic penalties and seized the disputed Kirkuk oil fields, halting exports.

But ties have improved markedly in recent months.

Authorities announced the resumption of oil exports from Kirkuk in November and last week, parliamentarians passed a 2019 budget guaranteeing Baghdad would pay the salaries of the Kurdish region's public workers and peshmerga armed forces.

Flights between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah resumed Saturday, according to aviation authorities, after a 16-month air blockade imposed by Ankara over an independence referendum.

Flights between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah resumed Saturday, according to aviation authorities, after a 16-month air blockade imposed by Ankara over an independence referendum. Kurds in the administratively autonomous northern region overwhelmingly voted for independence in a non-binding referendum in September 2017 that infuriated Baghdad as well as Iraq's neighbours, Turkey and Iran. In retaliation, Baghdad and Ankara blocked international flights from the two main Iraqi Kurdish cities of Arbil and Sulaimaniyah. Almost all those restrictions were lifted last year but Turkey — which fears its own Kurdish minority could be inspired to push for independence — had maintained its blockade on Sulaimaniyah until Saturday. "Implementing the Turkish government's decision to lift the air blockade on international fights from Sulaimaniyah, the first Turkish Airlines flight landed early this morning and returned to Turkey," said Sulaimaniyah airport chief Taher Abdallah. He said the blockade cost the airport more than $5 million in 2018. Iraqi Airways would resume flights between Sulaimaniyah and Istanbul in the coming days, civil air authorities said. That brings air traffic to and from the Iraqi Kurdish region back to its status before the 2017 referendum. At the time, the federal government rejected the poll as "illegal," imposed economic penalties and seized the disputed Kirkuk oil fields, halting exports. But ties have improved markedly in recent months. Authorities announced the resumption of oil exports from Kirkuk in November and last week, parliamentarians passed a 2019 budget guaranteeing Baghdad would pay the salaries of the Kurdish region's public workers and peshmerga armed forces.

Turkey renews flights to Iraqi Kurd city after 16-month ban

A medical emergency and a mechanical problem left passengers on a United Airlines flight stuck for about 16 hours on the frigid tarmac of a Canadian airport in the plane's barely heated interior, the CBC network reported.&nbsp;

United Flight 179 had taken off late Saturday from Newark, New Jersey en route to Hong Kong with about 250 passengers on board.

When a passenger suffered a medical problem the plane made an emergency landing at Goose Bay airport in Newfoundland and Labrador province, on Canada's east coast, the airline told CBC.

But after paramedics took him to hospital, the plane was unable to take off, reportedly because bitterly cold temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) had caused a door to freeze.

With no customs officers on duty overnight, passengers were forced to stay on board, many shivering under the thin blankets handed out by flight attendants.

With food and water running short roughly 10 hours into the ordeal, officials finally arrived to deliver supplies from the Tim Hortons fast-food chain known in Canada for its coffee and doughnuts.

One of the passengers, Sonjay Dutt, reached by phone, said the plane was under-heated and that the arrival of the food and coffee was not enough to appease increasingly angry passengers.

A relief aircraft arrived in Goose Bay late Sunday morning. After the passengers were transferred to the plane by bus, it took off in mid-afternoon to take them back to Newark, where they originally came from the day before, CBC said.

Much of eastern Canada, as well as the US northeast, has been suffering through a glacial cold spell, with heavy snowfalls that have led to scores of flight cancellations.

At the end of the United ordeal, passenger Dutt &nbsp;tweeted that "it's been a long long long long day."

A medical emergency and a mechanical problem left passengers on a United Airlines flight stuck for about 16 hours on the frigid tarmac of a Canadian airport in the plane's barely heated interior, the CBC network reported.

A medical emergency and a mechanical problem left passengers on a United Airlines flight stuck for about 16 hours on the frigid tarmac of a Canadian airport in the plane's barely heated interior, the CBC network reported. United Flight 179 had taken off late Saturday from Newark, New Jersey en route to Hong Kong with about 250 passengers on board. When a passenger suffered a medical problem the plane made an emergency landing at Goose Bay airport in Newfoundland and Labrador province, on Canada's east coast, the airline told CBC. But after paramedics took him to hospital, the plane was unable to take off, reportedly because bitterly cold temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) had caused a door to freeze. With no customs officers on duty overnight, passengers were forced to stay on board, many shivering under the thin blankets handed out by flight attendants. With food and water running short roughly 10 hours into the ordeal, officials finally arrived to deliver supplies from the Tim Hortons fast-food chain known in Canada for its coffee and doughnuts. One of the passengers, Sonjay Dutt, reached by phone, said the plane was under-heated and that the arrival of the food and coffee was not enough to appease increasingly angry passengers. A relief aircraft arrived in Goose Bay late Sunday morning. After the passengers were transferred to the plane by bus, it took off in mid-afternoon to take them back to Newark, where they originally came from the day before, CBC said. Much of eastern Canada, as well as the US northeast, has been suffering through a glacial cold spell, with heavy snowfalls that have led to scores of flight cancellations. At the end of the United ordeal, passenger Dutt tweeted that "it's been a long long long long day."

Passengers shiver through 16-hour ordeal on Canadian tarmac

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-worsens-fog-disrupts-air-and-rail-traffic-191123">Dense fog in several parts of Delhi</a> disrupted operations of 450 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning, an airport official said.

Flight operations were hit between 5.30 am and 1 pm.

"Around 97 per cent of these 450 flights were either departing or arriving beyond their scheduled time due to dense fog that remained till around 10.20 am. Rest were either diverted or cancelled," the official said.

Departures were largely put on hold between 5.30 am and 10.20 am. Arrivals were happening only intermittently between 6 am and 7.20 am, another official said.

Five flights were diverted between 5.30 am and 10.20 am from the airport. One of the flights was coming from Singapore and it was diverted to Kolkata, he said.&nbsp;

Four flights coming from Bangkok, Dubai, Guwahati and Muscat, respectively were diverted to Jaipur between 7.30 am and 10.20 am, he said.

"Very few aircraft are departing and that too on the basis of their size, visibility and ATC (air traffic control) clearance for taking off," the official said.

At the Delhi airport, the minimum runway visibility required to take off is 125 metres.

The airport was facing low visibility conditions since 4 am due to dense fog.

"The visibility significantly improved between 9.20 am and 10.20am. This allowed us to resume departures properly from 10.20 am onward," he said.

Vistara Airlines tweeted at 8.23am, "Due to dense fog and poor visibility in Delhi, delays are expected for both arrivals and departures with likely consequential impact on flights across the network."

"Currently, flight departures from Delhi are on hold and will resume by 0930 hrs subject to weather clearance," it added.

Jet Airways tweeted at 6.33am that some of its flights had been affected due to dense fog at Delhi and Bengaluru airports.

Dense fog in several parts of Delhi disrupted operations of 450 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning, an airport official said. Flight operations were hit between 5.

Dense fog in several parts of Delhi disrupted operations of 450 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning, an airport official said. Flight operations were hit between 5.30 am and 1 pm. "Around 97 per cent of these 450 flights were either departing or arriving beyond their scheduled time due to dense fog that remained till around 10.20 am. Rest were either diverted or cancelled," the official said. Departures were largely put on hold between 5.30 am and 10.20 am. Arrivals were happening only intermittently between 6 am and 7.20 am, another official said. Five flights were diverted between 5.30 am and 10.20 am from the airport. One of the flights was coming from Singapore and it was diverted to Kolkata, he said. Four flights coming from Bangkok, Dubai, Guwahati and Muscat, respectively were diverted to Jaipur between 7.30 am and 10.20 am, he said. "Very few aircraft are departing and that too on the basis of their size, visibility and ATC (air traffic control) clearance for taking off," the official said. At the Delhi airport, the minimum runway visibility required to take off is 125 metres. The airport was facing low visibility conditions since 4 am due to dense fog. "The visibility significantly improved between 9.20 am and 10.20am. This allowed us to resume departures properly from 10.20 am onward," he said. Vistara Airlines tweeted at 8.23am, "Due to dense fog and poor visibility in Delhi, delays are expected for both arrivals and departures with likely consequential impact on flights across the network." "Currently, flight departures from Delhi are on hold and will resume by 0930 hrs subject to weather clearance," it added. Jet Airways tweeted at 6.33am that some of its flights had been affected due to dense fog at Delhi and Bengaluru airports.

Dense fog at Delhi airport affects over 450 flights

Flight operations were partially suspended at the Delhi airport on Tuesday due to low visibility conditions as departures were put on hold and more than 80 flights were delayed, an official said.

The capital woke up to a cold and foggy morning on Tuesday, with visibility dropping to 50 metres.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-residents-spend-christmas-indoors-as-smog-emergency-reaches-fourth-day-186396">Also read:&nbsp;Delhiites spend Christmas indoors as smog level increases</a>

Two flights were cancelled, five were diverted and 84 were delayed when Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) was in force for around 11 hours, the official said.

Three international and two domestic flights were diverted.

The minimum runway visibility required for takeoff is 125 metres.

According to the official, since the Low Visibility Take Off (LVTO) requirement is not being fulfilled, departure of flights were on hold for two hours from around 0715 hours.

Departure of flights resumed at 0916 hours.

The LVP was in place from around 0130 hours to 1215 hours, the official noted.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest in the country and on an average sees more than 70 flight movements per hour. This includes both arrivals and departures.&nbsp;

Flight operations were partially suspended at the Delhi airport on Tuesday due to low visibility conditions as departures were put on hold and more than 80 flights were delayed, an official said.

Flight operations were partially suspended at the Delhi airport on Tuesday due to low visibility conditions as departures were put on hold and more than 80 flights were delayed, an official said. The capital woke up to a cold and foggy morning on Tuesday, with visibility dropping to 50 metres. Also read: Delhiites spend Christmas indoors as smog level increases Two flights were cancelled, five were diverted and 84 were delayed when Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) was in force for around 11 hours, the official said. Three international and two domestic flights were diverted. The minimum runway visibility required for takeoff is 125 metres. According to the official, since the Low Visibility Take Off (LVTO) requirement is not being fulfilled, departure of flights were on hold for two hours from around 0715 hours. Departure of flights resumed at 0916 hours. The LVP was in place from around 0130 hours to 1215 hours, the official noted. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest in the country and on an average sees more than 70 flight movements per hour. This includes both arrivals and departures.

Operations at Delhi airport partially suspended due to low visibility; over 80 flights delayed

flights

Flights, News on Flights, stories on Flights, articles on Flights, Flights stories at Wion, Flights news, Flights latest news