Business News
DGCA asks airlines to waive cancellation fee: COVID-19
15-20% decline in bookings during the last few weeks, due to the outbreak of COVID-19
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India on Wednesday suspended all existing visas issued to nationals of any country with some exceptions
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So far, India has recorded 78 cases of coronavirus, including the death of a person from Karnataka
NEW DELHI : In the wake of rising number of cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, civil aviation regulator has asked airlines to waive the cancellation fee and flight rescheduling charges.
“In the view of the unfolding severe impact of COVID-19, the aviation industry is facing severe challenges. Flights are being curtailed cancelled and disrupted almost on a daily basis… it would be appropriate if the airlines support their passengers in this tough time by waiving off cancellation/reschedule charges or by providing any other incentive,” Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement.
InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, which operates country’s largest domestic airline, on Wednesday said that the airline has seen a 15-20% decline in bookings during the last few weeks, due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The airline also expects its quarterly earnings to be materially impacted because of virus, which has posed a threat of global recession as the flow of goods, services face ever-increasing restrictions.
India’s aviation and tourism industry is reeling from the impact of the global outbreak of coronavirus.
So far, India has recorded 78 cases of coronavirus, including the death of a person from Karnataka. Worldwide, 128,343 persons have been infected and 4,720 have died.
India on Wednesday suspended all existing visas issued to nationals of any country with some exceptions. All visas except those issued to Diplomats, Officials from United Nations or International organizations, Employment Protect visas stand suspended till April 15, 2020 with effect from 1200 GMT March 13, 2020 at the port of departure, home ministry said.
