Many passengers had booked air tickets to go to their hometown or other destinations, but couldn't do so due to the sudden lockdown. The airlines have not refunded their money and apparently have no intention of doing so. After the Supreme Court sought the views of the Centre on a PIL filed by Pravasi Legal Cell, an NGO, the Centre has now told the SC that passengers must be paid full refund for air tickets booked between Mar 25 and May 3. The Centre has further said that if the airlines are unable to pay now, the fliers should be given credit up to 31 Mar 2021 till which time the airlines must refund their money. This news is most welcome. The relief should also cover those passengers who booked the tickets before Mar 25 for scheduled travel during the crucial period but were prevented from travelling due to the lockdown. The airlines cannot charge the passengers for service not provided.
