The travel industry has taken a major hit due to the Coronavirus outbreak. While the international sector has had a major setback, the domestic sector is also now taking the hit. The increased number of cancellations and less number of travellers is resulting in massive fare drops. Not just for those booked well in advance, but also the ones that were booked last minute.
What’s Happening?
According to news reports, ‘Indian airlines might soon start suspending some of its flights due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the air travel demands.’ The air fares from Delhi to some of the most popular cities is now starting from as less as ₹2000 – ₹2500.
Also read: GoAir To Not Charge Cancellation Fee On Tickets Booked Till April 30 Amid Coronavirus Scare
That’s not all. Due to the lack of demand, fares to important sectors like Delhi-Mumbai, which tend to sky-rocket, during any time of the year, is now well thin budget. The flights can be booked to and fro for just ₹5000; even if you end up booking just 24 hours prior to your departure.
What’s More?
In conversation with a media house, a senior aviation analyst was reported as saying, ‘For the first three weeks of February, the domestic traffic growth was almost similar to January but the demand tanked by 2-4 per cent in the last week of February. March is expected to witness substantial drop in air travel demand with forward bookings (for flying schedules over the next two months) are down by about 20 per cent.’
The European aviation experts are calling it the ‘worst shock that the industry has faced since the 9/11 attacks.’ While the global travel got affected, now, the domestic aviation industry is also facing the brunt of it. Meanwhile, we are facing one decision-making difficulty: should we be making the most of these cheap flight tickets?