IATO disappointed with Govt’s decision to extend suspension of international flights operations
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, at the start of the month, the Director-General of Civil Aviation extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021. IATO is disappointed with the Government’s decision to extend the suspension of international flights operations and has made certain requests to the Government to help revive inbound tourism to India. Earlier, the scheduled international flights were suspended until August 31.
Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) expressed his disappointment on the decision taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation/DGCA to extend the suspension of international flight operation till 30th September 2021 and e-Tourist Visa. He mentioned that the IATO members are very disheartened by the decision taken by the Government. It is time for the Government to help the tourism industry by reviving inbound tourism to India, for which they have made the following requests to the Government.
➤ To open e-Tourist Visa for all those foreign tourists who have been vaccinated and wish to come to India. Let the foreign tourists decide whether they want to travel to India or not. The authorities should not restrict them to travel to India when other countries have opened their doors for tourists.
➤ Similarly, normal international flight operations should be resumed and let the airlines decide whether they want to operate or not if there is any constraint of load factor. However, Government should allow them to resume flights.
“All other sectors have revived their business with the support from the Government and it is only the travel and tourism industry which is struggling for survival for last 18 months, but there is no relief at all. Government should support the tourism industry, especially the inbound tour operators who have had zero business since March 2020,” said Mehra.