PANAJI: Passenger arrivals at Goa airport continued to plummet as the state introduced a partial night curfew and other restrictions to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. From an average of 9,000 footfalls on weekdays, just 2,300 passengers are now passing through the terminal building.
With India’s daily Covid-19 caseload hitting record levels and with states imposing curbs, more and more fliers are reluctant to travel. On Thursday, 36 flights were cancelled by private airlines.
“There are just 2,300-2,600 passengers at the airport on a daily basis now. As cases increase, passengers don’t want to take a risk,” Goa airport director Gagan Malik said.
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Most of the flights that have been cancelled are linked to the metros and those that either depart or land between 9pm and 6am. While AAI officials have been making regular announcements regarding appropriate Covid-19 norms, they have also been levying fines on fliers found without masks within the terminal.
AI has taken steps to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. Non-operations staff have been asked to report for duty on a rotational basis and to work from home on alternate days.
“Operational staff cannot be reduced because they have to do their duty,” said Malik.
While the state as announced a partial night curfew, AAI has clarified that the airport remains operational and that the there is no restriction on public transport or taxis.
