It’s been months since the spread of COVID-19. Strict lockdown measures are implemented all over the world, restricting traveling to many countries. Now, the travel restrictions and lockdown are at ease, with that airports plan to operate with increased security and safety of its passengers. Delhi Airport has been focusing on sanitization, social distancing, and strict safety measures. Air Bubbles have been defined, allowing passengers to travel from one country to the other.
It has led to a change in our experience as a passenger. Air Travel will now be different years that lie ahead. We may see a rise in fare, compulsory health check-ups, and some mandatory routines even after this pandemic. One of the first things to become mandatory is social distancing norms. We all will be living in a world where social distancing will be followed for at least the coming five years. Also, we may see masks on all our faces for many years ahead. It will make the check-in process slow. Travelers might expect to spend more time boarding a flight. Having travel insurance is mandated by several countries.
For ease of travel for passengers, each airline is assigned a particular gate. For example, at Delhi Airport, Vistara and Indigo passengers have been allotted Gate 1 and 2. Gate 3 and 4 are for Air Asia and Air India. Spice Jet, Go Air, and other airlines will use gate 5. Get 6, 7, and 8 have been assigned only for international passengers. There are three things that the aviation industry will need to keep in mind to survive this crisis.
Collaboration:
The establishment of air bubbles between countries is one way to collaborate. Other methods like this must be found out to create a collaborative environment. This collaboration is needed to build confidence amount consumers for safe travel and successful restart of the operation. Airlines and airports that were previously considered rivals now have to come together, keeping in mind the passenger’s journey and experience.
Digitalization:
The use of technology is already present in the aviation industry. It must be pushed forward to ensure that any physical touch is minimized. Mandatory web check-in of passengers, e-boarding passes, self-baggage drop, and baggage information via SMS are digital trends.
Sanitization:
The priority will be to keep the airports and flights cleaner. It could lead to increased fare, but safety must be the priority. With the safety measures, everything would be clean. The risks of getting a virus would be less. Also, there could be mandatory home quarantine after the flight has landed. Health checks up should be done properly at entry, and PPE kits must be present on flight.
Boarding passes may become a thing of the past. It is advised to print the boarding pass and highlight the name and other critical details to avoid contact. These rules are the quickest impact on the pandemic. We may see more change in the future to meet the safety standard. If you are traveling, buy travel insurance online in a hassle-free way which will secure your journey.
