India’s airlines slash domestic services after more states impose Omicron-linked controls

India’s airlines slash domestic services after more states impose Omicron-linked controls

Dubai: India’s airlines are cancelling flights on their domestic routes after more states impose stricter restrictions in response to the rise in Omicron cases. Earlier this week, India’s largest low-cost airline – Indigo – said it expects to cancel around 20 per cent of its scheduled operations. “Large numbers of IndiGo customers are changing their travel plans (because of Omicron),” the airline said in a statement. “With the reduced demand, we will also be selectively withdrawing.” Due to customers reconsidering travel plans, Air India began offering a free change of date, flight number or sector for all domestic ticket holders with confirmed travel on or before March 31. Industry sources said the measures adopted by certain states have been further denting passenger confidence. Kolkata airport, India’s fifth busiest air hub, is allowing domestic flights from Mumbai and New Delhi only thrice a week. “It’s like having your car, but you can only take it out on Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” said Satyendra Pandey, Managing Director at AT-TV. “You effectively have to plan your whole time-table. Operationally, it’s a mess, but they are working through it now. “Next month or so is going to be pretty challenging as this virus spreads.