Domestic Flights Cancelled until 3 May, Full Refunds to be provided by Airlines

Due to the extension of the lockdown in India, all domestic flights have been cancelled until 3 May 2020. The extension of the lockdown to contain the Coronavirus outbreak was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation. While stating that India was to a large extent successful in containing the virus, more efforts were needed, said the Prime Minister.

“I am asking for your support. Your support in seven things ... This Saptapadi is the path to victory. Follow the rules of lockdown with full devotion till May 3, stay where you are, stay safe,” tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

Domestic Flights Cancelled: How to Get Refunds?

All airlines in India are offering a full refund against the cancelled tickets in the form of credit shells, which can be used to book tickets with the same airlines on a later date. “Hi, flight operations stand suspended till 3rd May'20. The amount of your booking will be maintained in a credit shell, which can be used to make a fresh booking for travel till 28th Feb.'21 for the same passenger,” says SpiceJet.

Similarly, GoAir is also protecting the PNRs of travelers. “We fully empathise, and will preserve the value of your fare for a future booking for travel within one year on any GoAir sector. You don’t have to phone or email us, we will do this automatically. You can rebook online using your PNR at goair.in,” says GoAir.

AirAsia and Vistara too are offering customers the option to fly on a different date without paying any extra fee. “Please note that the flights have been cancelled. You can opt for another travel date till 31-Dec, without a change fee (fare difference applies). You may contact +91 9289228888 or custrelations@airvistara.com with a firm alternate travel date. Thanks,” says Vistara.

As far as IndiGO is concerned, the airline says that they are in the process of canceling all reservations. Customers’ ticket will be protected in the form of credit shells, which can be used to rebook the ticket on a later date within a year for the same passenger. Credit shells will be shared with customers within the next five to seven days, say IndiGo. Customers can view their credit shells by retrieving their itinerary from the edit bookings section on the IndiGo website.

Air India is offering a similar refund as well; however, the airline is responding to its customers on Twitter saying “Kindly email your concern to contactus@airindia.in . We are working with limited resources and in spite of our best efforts may take a little longer than usual to answer your queries. Your kind understanding and cooperation are solicited in this moment of crisis.”