How Indian Airlines are dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic

Get Digit Health Insurance that covers pandemic declared Coronavirus (COVID-19). Get a quote today.

Pin Code

+91 Enter Mobile Number

Try agian later

I agree to the Terms & Conditions

Port my existing Policy

(Incl 18% GST)

What are Indian Airlines Doing for their Customers in Light of Covid-19?

With over 3.35 lakh globally confirmed cases, the novel coronavirus disease has been spreading like wildfire from one country to another. To curb the rapid progression of the disease and contain it, most governments across the world have implemented drastic measures like travel bans and the imposition of national lockdowns.

On Monday, 23^rd March, 2020 the official number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in India rose to 415. With this, the Central and State governments announced a lockdown of 75 districts across the country, where cases of the disease have been reported.

To strengthen the effectiveness of this lockdown, India had banned all its international flights for a week from 20^thMarch (later extended to midnight, 31^st March). In line with this, domestic air travel has also been banned, effective from Wednesday, 25^th March till midnight of 31^st March. This is the first time India has imposed a total ban on its air travel.

While these measures can aid to control the spread of Covid-19, they have also hindered the travel plans of millions.

Following is an elaboration on the measures being undertaken by various Indian airlines in the face of this travel ban imposition.

Read: Know more about what is covered in COVID 19 Health Insurance

Measures being Undertaken by Different Indian Airlines

Following are the official announcements made by the major airlines in India in light of the international and domestic flight cancellations:

1. Air India

Air India has extended a waiver of the No-Show charges for all domestic/international, inbound and outbound passengers travelling between 23^rd March 2020 and 30^th April 2020.

Passengers need not report to airports to reschedule their travel plans until normal flight operations are restored.

Further, passengers rescheduling and finalising their travel plans (up to 30^th September 2020) can do so without paying any additional date or sector change charges. (source)

2. Go Air

Passengers with new and existing bookings between 19^th March 2020 and 15^th April 2020 have been extended the facility of not showing up for their scheduled flights, without notifying Go Air.

Passengers have also been provided with the benefit to reschedule their travel without any extra fee, for up to 1 year from their original date of travel.

However, one should note that the fare differential will be applicable in this case.

Passengers with new bookings for travel between 15^th April 2020 30^th September 2020, can enjoy a waiver of the rescheduling charges for any flight up to 30^th September. (source)

3. IndiGo

As per a message issued by the CEO of IndiGo to address the Covid-19 related lockdown, all flights of this airline have been suspended with effect from 12:00am on 25^th March 2020 to 11:59 pm on 31^st March 2020.

In this respect, the Booking Reference of any individual with flights scheduled between these dates will remain safe in a credit account with the company, with the same fare value. The passenger can use this credit account to travel before 30^th September.

Additionally, those with travel bookings before 30^th April 2020 can cancel the same without the payment of any additional charges, and reschedule to travel before 30^th September 2020 with the same PNR. This is applicable for both domestic and international travel. (source)

4. Vistara

Vistara has undertaken steps to ensure that the Passenger Name Record (PNR) for those who have flights scheduled between 24^th March 2020 and 30^th April 2020 is extended up to 31^st December 2020.

This means that passengers are eligible to reschedule their travel plans between the time Vistara’s services are restored and 31^st December 2020 without any additional charges.

However, passengers must notify the airlines about their rescheduled plans by calling their customer service at +91 9289228888. (source)

5. SpiceJet

Like others, SpiceJet has also announced that passengers with bookings made before 14^th March 2020 can reschedule the same for one time without any additional charges within 30^th September 2020. However, those cancelling their travel plans will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges.

Further, those with travel date before or on 30^th March 2020 can reschedule their booking one time till 30^th April 2020. (source)

6. AirAsia India

Those with AirAsia bookings can convert their current booking into a credit account, which can be redeemed for a new booking in the upcoming 365 days. Travellers have the provision to reschedule their flights without any charges up to 31^st October 2020 or follow the conditions put forth by the airlines for any other scenarios. (source)

Apart from these major Indian airlines providing both domestic and international services, regional airlines like Air Deccan, Alliance Air, etc. have also suspended their services till 31^st March 2020.

So, if you had travel plans in the upcoming week, make sure you check with your airline and reschedule as per your convenience.

Stay safe!

Frequently asked questions

All

Are only passenger-carrying flights banned during the lockdown, or does the ban extend to cargo?

As of now, the ban is imposed only on passenger-carrying aircraft, both domestic and international. Cargoes will still be operational.

Will I have to reschedule immediately to enjoy the waiver extended by airlines?

No, most airlines are offering a charge-free rescheduling window till up to 30^th September. However, you must book the tickets 3-days before your intended date of travel to enjoy the waiver of rescheduling charges.

Will it be wise to reschedule my travel plans to immediately after 31st March 2020?

It is best to postpone your travel plans by as much as you can manage. With Covid-19 spreading at an alarming rate, the imposed lockdown can be stretched even further.