MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR AIRLINES

More people going by road

The biggest challenge for airlines will come from those wanting to stay put over their fears about the Covid-19. And from those who prefer to take the roads rather than a flight because of the changed circumstances.

“The concepts of “daycation”, staycation and “workcation” are gaining currency,” said

Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Business Officer of

Corporate and GCC at MakeMyTrip, an travel portal. “Travellers will also lean towards short-haul road trips and self-drive holidays to take a break from the monotony of homes. While October to December might see some holiday travel, the very concept of holiday breaks may look very different until a vaccine is around.”

This is what destinations such as Dubai will need to overcome — get people to feel safe about returning to the skies and heading out to destinations. The city’s tourism authorities have been running major promotions to deliver one key message — “Dubai is open for business”.

Emirates adding destinations

Emirates airline is adding more destinations and frequencies in its return to key routes, while other UAE carriers too are making the moves. Travellers, in the near future, will prefer

“many micro-holidays instead of one or two big holidays”.

“Search patterns indicate they are already looking for Dubai, Maldives or Seychelles for their next trip,” Singh said. “UAE will continue to rank high as the business and holiday destination for many in the region as commercial flights resume. [Only difference is that] demand is going to be gradual.”