Resumption of flights may undo progress made – The Tribune India

Open House: Is it the right time to start flights?

Airlines should take strict precautions

Civil Aviation in India has been one of the worst-hit business sectors in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. With gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, the Centre's decision about partial and conditional resumption of domestic flights despite surging cases of infection is right. This well-conceived step will help in economic rebound, rescue the cash-strapped and debt-ridden airlines from further crisis a la Jet or Kingfisher, and facilitate the return of thousands of desperate people stranded away from their homes and workplaces in various states across the country. But the new move proved a damp squib on the opening day, with chaos and confusion prevailing at the airports and the cancellation of several flights, which left hundreds of people disappointed, courtesy state governments' differing institutional/home quarantine protocols for all domestic flyers, official apathy and an incredible flip-flop on the management of operational issues. Scared of viral transmission, a majority of people are reluctant to go to crowded airports. Though the Aviation Ministry has prescribed price bands for fares, air travel will resume in a slow, careful and tightly phased manner. The airlines should take strict precautionary measures to make the environment safe and comfortable for passengers. In the current scenario, government financial support and consumers' confidence are essential to sustaining commercial viability of the aviation industry.

DS Kang

An Ill-timed and unwarranted move

The move of starting the Jaipur-Adampur-Delhi flight is ill-timed and thus unwarranted. While the state is struggling to cope with Covid-19 pandemic, it will add unnecessarily burden on already overstressed administrative machinery of all stakeholders. In case of emergencies, special flights can be arranged to facilitate movements from one point to the other with strict compliance of social distancing norms and lockdown discipline. The flights can be resumed once the spread of pandemic starts receding and average position stabilises across interconnected states of destinations. After all, air connectivity in normal circumstances is a positive sign of economic prosperity.

Jagdish Chander

the decision will prove to be failure

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been robust in announcing the start of domestic flights in India, keeping in mind the restrictions and relaxations of Lockdown 4.0. In India, the corona cases have increased, enumerating 83,004 on May 27, 2020. One reason for this is minimal regulations to check on the influx of migrant workers through Shramik Special trains. The government has taken a nominal step for the regulation of corona spread in the form of Aarogya Setu App, to monitor and screen positive cases in vicinity. However, blatant violations of the procedure and narrow escapes were witnessed. Freshly released guidelines for domestic flyers (asymptomatic passengers) will be allowed to go with advice to self-monitor health for 14 days. On developing symptoms, they should inform the District Surveillance Officer (DSO) or the state/national call centre on 1075. Those on business trips and a negative report shall be quarantined for seven days. However, this is completely voluntary and does not carry any serious repercussions. The Delhi-Adampur flight scheduled on May 24, 2020, saw failure for turn-up of six passengers. Hence, starting flights between Jaipur-Adampur-Delhi, will prove to be unsuccessful.

Pahul Sond

Move doesnt augur well for people

The Covid-19 induced lockdown and thereafter, the clamping down of the curfew in the state of Punjab and all over India sent shock waves all around. No one can deny the fact that almost every sector has suffered a heavy loss. The civil aviation sector, too, got a deadly blow. It does not mean the current regime at dispensation is entitled to take a hasty decision to resume flights at the state level and at the national level. The financial loss of any kind can be made up with the passage of time. But once the precious lives of worthy aviation personnel and passengers are lost, the loss may turn out to be irreparable. So, the move of our worthy law makers and deemed rulers does not augur down well with its own people. Observing and analysing the spike in the range and domain of Covid-19 cases in the aftermath of lifting of certain restrictions, I can firmly say that the resumption of the Jaipur-Adampur-Delhi flight services may prove to be Achilles heel for all of us. Undoubtedly, specific precautions and strict norms are being followed by the staff and the passengers. Even then, the threat looms large over our heads. In this scenario, how can the government justify its decision to give a green signal to air services? A single symptomatic case is enough to spoil the concerted efforts of hard working and dedicated corona warriors. Moreover, contrary to the official announcement, the 90-seater SpiceJet received only six passengers on the day of resumption of the state aviation services. The government should wait for some more days before taking any concrete decision. It is the moral duty of the citizens also to back the elected representatives to the hilt for their own welfare and for safeguarding their fellows. Let us all unite and take a vow to work in a coordinated manner to bring our country back on the track of progress and prosperity.

Simranjeet Singh Saini

Airlines must observe strict protocols

Punjab has done a commendable job to contain the virus. Now, resuming air travel is a good move by the state government. The Centre has already issued guidelines for domestic travel, advising passengers to download Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices and is asking states to ensure thermal screening at the departure point of airports. The air passengers should always wear a face mask while travelling because it is vital. Besides, maintaining social distancing and minimum touch must be followed. Vulnerable persons such as the elderly, pregnant ladies and passengers with ailments are advised to avoid air travel. Airlines must observe strict protocol because any spike in infections may jeopardise future operations.

Saahil Hans

Resuming air travelis welcome

Resuming air travel is welcome. The airlines authority must consider the importance of maintaining social distancing. If the airlines could survive without any show for 60 days, they can very well manage with 33 per cent less capacity. With middle seats being occupied, physical contact is certain. Airlines must be stringent regarding the screening of passengers. Infrared thermometers should greet domestic passengers arriving at the airport.

Shailja Thakur

Govts plan sure to fall flat on its face

My jaw dropped when I read the plan of the government which is sure to fall flat. The timing for such an announcement couldn't be more inappropriate. Right now, with curfew relaxation and the opening of the markets, I for one feel quite uncomfortable stepping out of the house unless it's an absolute must. Though we have to learn to overcome this fear by following precautions, we cannot be certain if each and everyone is toeing the safety norms. Life is not going to be the same for a few more months. Hence, the very idea of starting a flight to these destinations when people are scared to travel locally would be a complete disaster. The government can concentrate on poor migrants, people who are without a livelihood, probably starving silently; however, their focus seems to be to generate more moolah even if it comes at the cost of getting infected by coronavirus. Herd immunity will need time to build up. It would be wiser if they wait till conditions are absolutely normal and one can travel without fear.

Dr Manveen Mann

Heavens wont fall if flights arent resumed

PM Modi has the habit of making sudden impulsive decisions without consulting experts or other political parties about the same. Demonetisation, GST, nationwide lockdown and curfew are examples of such thoughtless decisions causing much inconvenience and misery to people, traders and industry and now, this sudden decision of starting domestic flights from a particular date without consulting the CMs of the states. So, different states are asking for different dates and keeping passengers in quarantine for different days. Though aviation and other sectors are suffering losses because of the lockdown, heavens would not fall if it is delayed by a few more days and consensus will have been reached and confusion avoided. Even public is in a fix and dilemma over the exact timings and schedule of different flights.

Dr JS Wadhwa

QUESTION

The MHA has announced the opening of shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and places of worship in Lockdown 5.0. Do you think it is wise to open these places of high footfall at a time when Covid positive cases are on the rise?

Suggestions in not more than200 words can be sent to jalandhardesk@tribunemail.comby Thursday (June 4).

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Resumption of flights may undo progress made - The Tribune India