Aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in a circular has asked international airlines operating to/from India to exempt cancellation and rescheduling charges amid Coronavirus pandemic. The regulatory body has also asked airlines to look at providing any other incentives to compensate the hardship faced by commuters.
The circular issued by DGCA on 12th March stated, “In light of hardship faced by passengers, airlines may like to consider and take an appropriate call, accordingly.” Further it declared that, “In the current scenario, it would be appropriate if airlines support their passenger in this tough time by waiving off cancellation/reschedule charges or by providing any other incentive.”
Coronavirus impact on air traffic
The on-going Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic has massively affected airlines, tourism and hotel industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has estimated that losses in revenue for airlines due to the coronavirus pandemic could range from $63 billion to $113 billion.
With the issuance of travel restrictions, there has been massive drop reported in inbound and outbound international travel. As per a report, the travel ban has brought inbound and outbound international travel down by 30%.
According to Civil Aviation Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, “The number of international passengers arriving at Indian airports has reduced to around 62,000 per day from 70,000 due to Coronavirus epidemic.” He further stated that, the count might further come down to around 40,000 following the travel advisory which was issued recently. “In terms of domestic air traffic,” says Puri, “the Coronavirus epidemic may lead to 15-20 per cent drop.” However, he has assured that in future, “India would overcome the challenge and see robust growth in the civil aviation.”
As far as Bengaluru airport is concerned, a report suggested that the India’s Silicon Valley has seen a 50% drop in international travellers. Even, the busiest airports of Mumbai and Delhi are seen deserted owing to the scare caused by pandemic. Covid-19 has already infected 125,288 people and killed over 4,600 across the world. There are nearly 83 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in India and two deaths have been reported so far.
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