Mumbai: Experts opine that irrespective of whether the ban on flights will be lifted or extended on May 18, it isn’t advisable to book your flights for travelling in June, July or even later this year. Speaking about the uncertainties, Sudhakara Reddy, President, Air Passengers Association of India said that the flight schedules are still uncertain with around 80% of the domestic travel being concentrated in some 10 – 12 cities. Passengers shouldn’t make any advance bookings until the schedule is certain.
The demand for air travel is expected to be curtailed this year with MICE industry preferring to organize events online and airlines operating fewer flights. A situation could arise wherein a flight scheduled to leave today may go tomorrow due to less number of passengers or reduced frequency.
Airlines have been refusing refunds to passengers who cancelled their flights due to Covid travel restrictions although as per the country’s air travel norms passengers are entitled to receive the refunds. Getting a refund will be tough in the coming months as well with airlines struggling to stay afloat.
Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a global consultancy firm, in its report, said that demand for air travel will be minimal due to economic dislocation, slow or even negative GDP growth, low consumer confidence and concerns on Covid-19 spread. The report estimated that 200-250 aircraft out the country’s airline fleet of 650 will be surplus for the next year.
CAPA has said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should allow airlines to resume bookings only when the lockdown is fully lifted and structure of the transition period is known.
