Combating coronavirus: Will airlines refund ticket costs for advanced bookings to India?

Combating coronavirus: Will airlines refund ticket costs for advanced bookings to India?

Following India's decision to extend the nation-wide lockdown till May 4, several Indian expatriates and visitors who booked advance tickets to return home are now scrambling for refunds.. A day after Indian's Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri 'advised' airlines to open bookings only after the government takes a decision on resuming passenger flights to India, India's flag carrier reversed its earlier decision to sell air tickets.. An official with Air India told Khaleej Times, "We are not accepting bookings anymore and an announcement to re-start passenger flights to India will be made once clear directions come from the government.". Gulf Air, Oman Air, Emirates Airlines, and flydubai are also accepting bookings to the Indian sector.. India has made no commitment to repatriate its citizens from Gulf countries and even in the occasion of its airports opening up, Indian diplomatic missions have said preference will be given to emergency travel needs.. I am just going to keep my ticket for now, and travel whenever I can.". India advises airlines to 'refrain' from booking tickets. In the circular issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry, all airlines have been directed to refrain from booking tickets.. "It has been noticed that airlines