Airlines, hotels stare at uncertain future amid new curbs in Maharashtra

Tightening of travel restrictions and introduction of RT-PCR tests by more states had led to a near flat air traffic growth in Feb and demand will be dented further due to new curbs in Maharashtra.

Just when airlines and hotels—battered by year-long Covid restrictions--were preparing to get back to normal business, the weekend lockdown announcement in Maharashtra  threw their plans out of gear. While aviation and hospitality firms could face a significant slump in bookings, the retail industry may head for an uncertain future as well.               

Tightening of travel restrictions and introduction of RT-PCR tests by more states had led to a near flat air traffic growth in February and demand will be dented further due to new curbs in Maharashtra.

“It will be a tough time for airlines. Average