US: The United States on Monday accused the Indian government of indulging in “unfair and discriminatory practices” through its charter flight services amid restrictions on air travel due to the coronavirus.
The US Transportation Department alleged that Air India Ltd. has been making flights to repatriate its citizens during the travel disruptions caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, but also has been selling tickets to the public.
However, US airlines have been restricted from flying to India by Indian aviation regulators, the order read, alleging that the situation “creates a competitive disadvantage for US carriers”.
Indian airlines now have to apply to the US Transport Department before operating charter flights so that the details of the said flight can be scrutinised closely.
The order will be implemented from July 22. The department’s order noted that this was an attempt to restore “a level playing field” for the country’s airlines as per the US-India Air Transport Agreement.
Indian airlines must apply to the DOT for authorisation before conducting charter flights so that it can scrutinise them more closely and the department will reconsider the restrictions once India lifts restrictions on US carriers, the order read.
This decision by the US administration against India follows weeks of restrictions against Chinese airlines after the US agency accused China of unfairly banning American carriers in the wake of the virus.
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