An official press release said government servants were permitted to fly by other carriers until resumption of normal services by Air India or further orders, whichever is earlier.
A circular issued by the Departure of Expenditure earlier in July last year had said that, for travel to stations not connected by Air India, the officials may travel by the national carrier to the hub/point closest to their eventual destination, beyond which they may utilise the services of another airline, which should also preferably be an alliance partner of Air India.
“The matter has been reviewed and it has been decided that with effect from April 1, 2010, travel on government account by air, both domestic and international, may take place by the entitled class,” the Finance Ministry said in a circular issued to all government departments.
The ministry had issued a directive last September asking government employees not to fly first class on government account, irrespective of their entitlement, and fly economy for all domestic travels. The move had evoked angry protest from senior officials and cabinet ministers.
Regulation of Journey by private airlines while availing LTC ( Leave Travel Concession )
Regarding journey by air, while availing LTC in all cases of air travel ( Including LTC ) both domestic and International where the government of India bears the cost of air passage , the government employee may travel by air india only.
Now it is clarified that the restriction of travel by Air India only need not apply to non-entitled officers who travel by air and claim LTC reimbursement by entitled class of rail.
This order is applicable from the date of issue of the memorandum. It is also clarified that past cases which are alreeady settled will not be re opened.
Download the clarification regarding LTC - Journey by private airlines.
More on LTC Rules and clarifications here
