United Airlines, which had lost two of its airliners in Tuesday's terrorist attacks, has decided to discontinue its services to India. The American carrier, which had resumed its services to India (Delhi) after a two year gap in April, today announced the development as part of the 20 per cent reduction in its capacity in the wake of last week's events.
The Indian aviation sector shares the gloomy projections and the concerns of the American airliners. Air-India will be operating only 80 per cent of its scheduled services to America over the next few days. It will review the load factor and the traffic situation and take a decision on the remaining flight schedule thereafter. The national carrier resumed its services to America today.
The plans of the only other American carrier that operates in India, Delta Airlines, are not known as its regional office could not be contacted.
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International airliners have, however, returned to their normal schedules. Virgin Atlantic Airways today said that following approval by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the US, it has resumed its complete flight schedule since September 15. Air France, British Airways and Cathay Pacific also said their flights between Hong Kong and North America are now operating as normal.
In accordance with the new security standards prescribed by the FAA, airlines are cautioning passengers on several fronts. Cathay has said the in-town check-in service at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations is not available for North American flights. Knives are not being allowed on flights. Air France today said that no passenger would be allowed to board with any cutting instrument, whatever the length of the blade. The item must be stowed in hold baggage, the French carrier said.
Air France also said that it would be introducing specially-trained security agents aboard selective flights. A technical device enabling Air France to monitor its airliners at regular intervals would also be introduced shortly.
Air-India will also be enforcing new US security regulations for baggage carried by US bound passengers including a physical scrutiny of 'checked baggage'. The hand baggage regulation would restrict the weight of baggage carried in the cabin to 5 kilograms only. One piece a passenger would be permitted. Executives said passengers are required to check in at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure of their flights to the US. Check-in counters will be closed 90 minutes before departure. They also said items prohibited by the US government will not be permitted either in checked or hand baggage. These items include dairy and agricultural products, even if in sealed cans besides metal knives/pocket knives or scissors of any size.