Even as masks returned to Singapore following an uptick in Covid cases, the travel trade fraternity said the advisory by Singapore government was precautionary in nature and asked travellers not to press the panic button.
Acknowledging that there had been a number of calls from travellers booked to travel to Singapore, travel agents said they had spoken to Kolkatans, who were in Singapore, and had been assured that it was business as usual in the city with no disruption in public life.
Singapore is recording around 350 Covid-related hospitalisations daily, up from the daily average of 225 last week.
“The authorities in Singapore have urged the public to wear masks in crowded places, including the airport. There has been a call to exercise personal caution and be socially responsible. Individuals, who have acute respiratory infection symptoms, have been advised to stay at home until symptoms resolve and avoid contact with others. There is no reason to panic,” said Anil Punjabi, Travel Agents’ Federation of India national committee member representing East India.
Airlines are free to charge air fares as per their operation viabilities subject to compliance to DGCA rules, MoS in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Dr V. K. Singh stated in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. But they must also comply with DGCA guidelines in case of cancellations and delays, he said. DGCA, on its part, keeps a check on regulations compliance by scheduled domestic airlines, he shared.
Travel Agents’ Association of India chairman (east) Manav Soni said while there had been calls from travellers, there had been no travel cancellations. “Though there has been a rise in Covid cases, it has now become endemic, and hence, not a cause for alarm,” said Soni.Sources in Singapore Airlines said flight loads did not indicate any bulk cancellation. On the contrary, there had been group bookings in Kolkata on Monday.
In Kolkata airport, no advisory has yet been issued on thermal checks on international passengers, including those arriving by Singapore Airlines.
