The International Airports Association reported a sharp decline in passenger traffic on domestic flights within Russia. According to data from 30 Russian airports, the decline in domestic traffic at the end of March is approaching 40% compared to the same period last year, reports Travel.ru.
The outflow of passengers from domestic flights began in the middle of the month, but initially did not exceed 10-151 passengers per day. However, this week, airports began losing an additional 51 passengers per day. As a result, the decline has now reached approximately 401 passengers per day and is likely to continue, especially since one of the largest airlines, Pobeda, has already announced it will not fly at all in April and May.
The reason was a sharp decline in demand due to the coronavirus epidemic. In addition to emptying airplane cabins, a second process is underway: some airlines have begun canceling some of their domestic flights. International flights had practically disappeared even earlier.
Passengers and tourists planning any travel in the coming weeks should carefully consider the necessity and feasibility of travel. Borders may be closed at any time (including, in some cases, internal administrative borders), making returning home difficult or impossible. Some countries are blocking not only entry but also exit and transit, including for foreign citizens. All flights, including domestic ones, may also be suspended in some countries.
Not only border closures and mass flight cancellations can pose a problem, but also quarantines, which are imposed almost daily by various countries for passengers arriving from certain destinations (and in some countries, for all incoming travelers). Furthermore, quarantine may also be imposed upon returning home. Finally, the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus significantly increases while traveling compared to staying at home.
It's worth noting that many foreign airlines are already in financial crisis and are unable to pay refunds for cancelled flights. They are only offering rebookings for other dates or destinations. This is due to a virtual lack of revenue, as few people are currently buying airline tickets. Pobeda Airlines has also refused to refund canceled flights.
The timeline for a return to relatively normal transport service remains unclear. Judging by the dynamics of events in various countries, it will take several months.
Source: travel.ru