Since international scheduled passenger flights in the nation have been suspended ‘until further orders, as stated by DGCA, the Travel Agents Association of India has called the move shocking. They argue that the uncertainty will negatively affect prospects of business revitalization as well as loss of revenue for the industry as a whole.
Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI, expressed her disgust over this new order, asking what made the government and authorities take such a decision. “Globally, the number of active Covid cases has declined dramatically and the situation in India has also improved. Many countries have removed RT-PCR/testing protocols, including India, and I am confused as to what gave rise to such a destructive decision,” she said.
As an extension of this, Jay Bhatia, VP, TAAI, stated, “We, as people in the travel and tourism sector, hoped things would turn out better when there were indications that the international travel ban might be lifted; however, these latest orders have again created uncertainty, raising unwarranted speculations.”.
“According to the DGCA, scheduled international commercial passenger services from/to India have been suspended until further notice; although this restriction will not apply to all-cargo operations, and flights approved by the DGCA, as well as under air bubble arrangements, it has still created a sense of unease and uncertainty, said Bettaiah Lokesh, Hony Secretary-General, TAAI.
Shreeram Patel, treasurer of TAAI, recently highlighted the monetary losses that travel agents have suffered due to cancellations during such uncertain times in the travel and tourism industry. After the announcement that international flights would open soon, I am sure many agents took up the offer in hopes of generating business. “Nevertheless, this extension has brought a setback to the entire fraternity,” he added.
