Opinion | Oxygen masks
Air passenger traffic in India grew 9% in February over the same month a year ago, according to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. That’s modest in comparison with the performance of previous years, but could be the stuff of wistful memories once the figures of March and subsequent months come out. That’s because it has only been a fortnight, or less, since the market caught the bug, which is likely to leave carriers gasping for air. With a Covid-19 crisis upon us, flying is seen as risky behaviour.
Globally, airlines could lose as much as $113 billion in sales this year if the pandemic spreads to new regions, according to a projection of the International Air Transport Association. Indian airlines may ground as many as 150 planes, by one estimate. Travel curbs are being imposed at various levels. Flights are being cancelled. Airlines are reassuring flyers that strict disinfection protocols are being observed on board, but demand could nosedive anyway.
