India orders airlines to ground planes as coronavirus spreads

Latest move to further hurt already struggling carriers

IndiGo India

The order will bring the domestic aviation sector to a halt as the government steps up efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. © Reuters

MUMBAI (NewsRise) -- The Indian government ordered the country's airlines including IndiGo owned by InterGlobe Aviation to ground their planes, bringing the domestic aviation sector to a halt as authorities step up efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The order deals a blow to the airlines that are already battling a ban on international travel after the virus outbreak raged through 186 countries. Earlier this month, India suspended all tourist visas and urged Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel abroad.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.