Holiday Air Travel on the Post COVID-19 Radar

Suddenly this summer, when it comes to air travel, everything appears to be almost back to normal even though some reports claim that only 60% is back. However, fewer flights than in a normal pre Covid-19 summer, and fewer staff are creating desperate situations at many passenger touch points. People are jostling for availability of airline seats and holiday opportunities. At airports, It is a busy time once again, and some Travel companies are already proclaiming their best year ever!

What Started It All Off?

Several countries have suspended or removed Covid-19 restrictions which had inhibited travel. Over 55 countries have announced they have no Covid related restrictions. Most of these countries are in Europe. The list is growing. Many countries even state that they have no pre-travel Test requirements. In spite of the relaxation of rules, 31 countries from among the 55 countries, continue to have their borders closed to tourism.

Dubai Immigration Penalty On COVID-19 Overstay

The Dubai Immigration Department used to have a reputation for being fair in every situation. Sadly, in these Covid-19 times, it does not seem to be the case. In this blog, I am going to put before you a case of a young man who went to Dubai with many dreams. Covid-19 destroyed his job and his dreams. This is a true story. To protect his identity, I am going to call him Mr. X.

Covid-19 affects jobs in Dubai

During the closing days of March 2020, the Coronavirus was ramping up around the world. The numbers were rapidly rising. Mr. X who had taken up a teaching position in Dubai only in August 2019 after giving up a decent job in his own country, was asked to take an immediate salary cut of 50%. He had to continue teaching online (this is perfectly understandable); but in these Covid times, he also had to go to homes of students to teach as well. With the huge cut in salary, he could not afford additional transportation costs in going to the homes of students. The only option he had left, was to resign from his position. It may be noted that the educational institution he was working for, completely closed down after a few weeks. He would have been jobless anyway.

Covid-19 TMC Restructuring

Post Covid-19 Travel Management Companies Restructuring

The onslaught of Covid-19 has been relentless. Air Travel has taken its mightiest blow ever in the history of post-war Civil Aviation. It created an almost complete lockdown for the Industry in terms of International Travel. The good news is that all of these effects will peak, and eventually when they find the vaccine, disappear.

The blow the phenomenon has dealt the Industry and many other businesses around the world, has no parallel. It has already changed the Business completely. Even as Airline heads are looking at a revival on their drawing boards, we know that Covid-19 has changed the face of travel forever.

As Airlines, orchestrate the relaunching of services, Travel Management Companies (TMC), are reviewing everything from staffing upwards. They are studying their operating costs. What will resurface from the depths of the disaster will be a different, more efficient, and cohesive Industry.

Covid-19 And Air Travel

The Airline industry has been one of the worst hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. It will be several years before airlines around the world recover from the damage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), estimates lost revenue for 2020 will be 314 Billion US dollars. IATA also estimates that 4.5 Million flights will be cancelled by June 30, 2020. Never before has the Industry been hit so badly by a pandemic virus.

In the recent weeks a lot has been written in the Press, discussed on TV and over the airwaves, about the impact the deadly disease will have on the Airline Industry and its consequences. It may well change the entire face of air travel for ever. Many doomsday specialists tell us air travel will never be the same again.