New Delhi: Amid coronavirus scare across the world, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked international airlines to consider waiving ticket cancellation and rescheduling charges.
"In the current scenario, it would be appropriate if airlines support their passengers in this tough time by waving off cancellation/reschedule charges or by providing any other incentive," the DGCA said to airlines today.
"In view of the unfolding severe impact of COVID-19, the Aviation industry is facing serious challenges. Flights are being curtailed, cancelled and disrupted almost on a daily basis. Resultantly, the passengers are also facing the brunt. Their travel plans are also being hit and disturbed," the DGCA added.
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Notably, IndiGo and SpiceJet many other airlines have waived rescheduling charges for corona-hit countries but due to high call volume at the airlines helpline centre passengers are unable to reschedule their tickets.
Government on Wednesday suspended all existing visas issued to nationals of any country with some exceptions. "All existing visas, except diplomatic official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till April 15, 2020. Visa-free travel facility granted to OCI cardholders is kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020," said Union Home Ministry on March 12.
Meanwhile, Air India on Thursday decided to cancel all its flights to Kuwait till April 30 and curtail services to various other countries, including Spain, France and Sri Lanka.
The move comes a day after the national carrier announced temporary suspension of its services to Rome, Milan and Seoul, amid the coronavirus pandemic which has triggered imposition of travel restrictions by various countries across the globe.
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