The civil aviation ministry announced that India is likely to resume regular international flights by the end of the year and is currently evaluating the process. This comes as a major relief to both the aviation and tourism industry which has witnessed major losses as a result of the ban on flights owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. The challenges continue as infections continue to rise, especially the surge in Europe these days. So far, international scheduled flights were only allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case to case basis and allowing cargo flights. This is expected to continue until 30th November. 

“A prolonged suspension of scheduled international operations is definitely impacting the financial health of most airlines, thereby adding to the pressure (on the revenue),” Vistara CEO-designate Vinod Kannan was quoted by news agency PTI. The situation continues to be unpredictable and dynamic, he adds.

In light of the opening up of borders, it will be interesting to see what opportunities it presents for working professionals and if it will be key to bringing in the skilled workforce that might meet the talent shortage across sectors in the country. How will it fit into the hybrid working model and the borderless talent recruitment trends? Simultaneously, what would it mean for the job sector in the aviation and tourism sectors? Is hiring likely to increase? 

Although Civil aviation Secretary Rajeev Bansal says that the government is expecting domestic passenger traffic to go back to pre-Covid levels starting April 2022, it remains to be seen if this will indeed happen especially given the potential of another outbreak. Further, the critical question remains of whether the expected boom in revenue in the aviation and tourism sector will indeed happen.