SC allows A-I to operate flights with middle seats occupied

New Delhi, May 25

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Air India to operate international flights with middle seats occupied for next 10 days even as it pulled up the national carrier over Covid-19 safety norms.

“We are of the considered view that the petitioner – Air India should be allowed to operate the non-scheduled flights with the middle seats booking up to June 6, 2020,” a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said.

The top court sent the matter back to the Bombay High Court which had on May 22 questioned Air India over not following physical distancing norms on board its international flights. The HC is scheduled to take up the matter on June 2.

“However, after that the Air India will operate non-scheduled flights in accordance with the interim order to be passed by the Bombay High Court thereafter,” the Bench ordered.

The order came on a petition filed by the Centre and Air India challenging a Bombay High Court order asking Air India to explain why it was not keeping middle seats vacant in its international flights in terms of physical distancing norms in force due to Covid-19 pandemic. — TNS