Centre wants air fare refund

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that all domestic and international airlines were bound to refund money to passengers who had cancelled their domestic and international travel plans during the lockdown period from March 25 to May 3 because of the unprecedented pandemic situation — a move which is likely to bring cheers to lakhs of air passengers across the country.

Though the airlines shall “immediately” refund the amount under the existing rules, however, in view of the financial crunch faced by the airlines, the Centre has suggested that it has agreed to give the option of “credit shell” to such passengers till March 31, 2021. If not utilised by that time, the airlines shall refund immediately thereafter.