Flight loads drop below 100 for four straight days as flyers defer travel

Industry execs say booking volumes down 30-40%; Airlines have begun clubbing flights last minute due to weakening demand

The average number of passengers per flight fell below 100 for four consecutive days last week, as Maharashtra introduced tight restrictions.

Travel demand has been under pressure since March, and while the number of passengers per flight had slipped to under 100 on three occasions last month, last week’s decline indicates further weakening of demand. Flyers are deferring trips, and airline and travel executives say booking volumes have slumped 30-40 per cent. 

Maharashtra’s new Covid restrictions came into effect last Monday. Malls, multiplexes and markets are closed from Monday-Friday, with a lockdown being imposed on weekends. 

Other states, including Delhi, have also imposed