The action against India follows weeks of DOT restrictions against Chinese airlines.
The US government on Monday limited charter flights from India, accusing the country of “unfair and discriminatory practices” by violating an aviation treaty between the two countries.
Air India Ltd. flew to repatriate its citizens during the travel disruption caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, but also sold tickets to the public, said the Department of Transport.
At the same time, American airlines have been banned from flying to India by aviation regulators, the DOT said in its order. The situation “creates a competitive disadvantage for American carriers,” the agency said in a press release.
Air India announces a schedule that represents more than half of the operations prior to the virus, the department said. “The charters go beyond actual repatriation, and it appears that Air India is using repatriation charters as a means of circumventing” the country’s flight restrictions, the agency said.
The order takes effect in 30 days, the ministry said.
Indian airlines must seek authorization from DOT before operating charter flights so that it can examine them more closely, he added. The ministry will review the restrictions once India has lifted the restrictions on US carriers.
The action against India follows weeks of DOT restrictions on Chinese airlines after the US agency accused the nation of unfairly banning American carriers in the wake of the virus. On June 15, the United States announced that it would agree to allow four flights a week from China after authorizing the same number of American carriers.
Attempts to reach Air India and the Indian Embassy in Washington after hours have failed.
