All transportation services in India have been suspended till 14th April 2020 in response to the 21-day countrywide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19. At present, all international and domestic airline services are at a halt and will supposably resume once the lockdown ends. Many people, stranded far from their homes in other cities and countries are eagerly waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so that they can finally fly back to their families.
What’s Exactly Happening?
All private airlines are now accepting bookings for travel from 15th April 2020. Only the national airline, Air India, will start its services on a later date, on 1st May 2020. Though the services are starting off, there will be certain conditions imposed to ensure that the protocol of social distancing is maintained. For flights post lockdown, airlines are selling tickets only for aisle and window seats. The middle seat will be empty. Also, the number of flights operating per airline will be much lesser than usual.
Also Read:Airlines To Give Pre-Paid Coupons Instead Of Refunds For Cancelled Flights
What Else?
Certain media reports are hinting that the lockdown might be extended. This has created some uncertainty as well about lifting up the restrictions. If the lockdown extends, services might be terminated again. The Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had recently tweeted, ‘If required, we will have to access the situation, on a case-by-case basis.’ In fact, all international fliers will be subjected to the same procedure after lockdown and will be allowed in India depending on the country they are coming from.
Also Read: International Flights To Start Operating In India From April 15 On Case-By-Case Basis
Also, for flights booked between 15th and 30th April, most airlines have assured that if the lockdown extends, they will credit the refund amount into the passenger’s account for later usage.