Covid-19: Airlines in trouble on visa suspension order

NEW DELHI: Domestic and international airline operations are expected to be seriously dented by the travel restrictions imposed by the government late on Wednesday. Airline sources, both domestic and international, said keeping operations afloat only with Indians flying back to India may not be sustainable.

Airline sources ET spoke with said capacity would be reduced. “While it’s too early to assess damage, airlines will have to cancel flights. International ones will have to cancel too,” said an executive who did not want to be identified.

Another executive said Air India is likely to be worst hit among Indian carriers. Foreign carriers see a large impact too. Air India has cancelled flights to Italy and South Korea till March.