Mumbai, May 23: As domestic flight operations are set to start on Monday, May 25, the Maharashtra government is yet to give a green signal to air travel in the state. In its notification, which came into effect from Friday, the state government had prohibited train and airline services till the fourth phase of COVID-19 lockdown ends on May 31. Indian Railways Cancels Booking of Trains Originating and Terminating in Maharashtra After State Government Prohibits Inter-District Travel.

According to reports, the Uddhav Thackeray-led government is yet to decide Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) over air travel. "We will also have to take a call on keeping the passengers under quarantine on their arrival,” said an official was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. India Sees Huge Spike of 5,609 Coronavirus Cases in Past 24 Hours, COVID-19 Tally Increases to 1,12,359, Death Toll Surges to 3435.

Reportedly, the decision over the resumption of flight services will be taken by today evening or tonight. A report in India Today said that Centre "arbitrarily" took the decision to allow flight operations without consultation with the state.

Maharashtra Government Yet to Decide on Domestic Flight Operations:

On Thursday, the Maharashtra government had prohibited inter-district travel amid rising novel coronavirus. After the state banned inter-district travel, the Indian railways announced to cancel all trains which are originating and terminating in Maharashtra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2020 06:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).