Kannur: Complaints that airlines are squeezing expatriates in various ways under the cover of Kovid. Those returning to the Gulf countries after the holidays are particularly concerned. The problem is that some airlines are unwilling to change or refund tickets for another day if Kovid is positive on the RTPCR test conducted before departure. With this, tens of thousands are being lost.
Tickets to Saudi Arabia and Qatar include the quarantine package. The mandatory quarantine is five days in Saudi Arabia and two days in Qatar. Tickets for Saudi travel range from Rs 60,000 to Rs 75,000. If the test is positive 48 hours in advance, the trip will be canceled. The problem is that some airlines are not willing to change or refund this ticket for another day.
Says the lodge gets three stars
There are also complaints about the rooms allocated for quarantine. The airlines offer three-star accommodation. Hotel information will be available the day before departure. But travelers to Saudi Arabia in recent days have complained that they are being housed in some lodge rooms and isolated buildings such as quarters instead.
Inaccurate test result
The Kovid checkpoint at the airport is surrounded by UAE travelers. The expatriates point out with examples that not only the high rates charged by the airports including Kannur for inspection but also the inaccurate inspection result is humiliating. Passengers are also worried about the delay in results from private labs as Kovid cases have risen sharply in the state. If the result is not received within 48 hours, you will not even be able to enter the airport.
AP Muhammad, Mapson Travels, District President, Zedek.
“Expatriates are worried about last-minute cancellations and non-replacement of positive tickets. There have also been cases of passengers being misled into saying that the refund will be paid into the account of the travel agencies.”
Mujeeb New Home, Fly Sky, Tours and Travels.
“Airlines must end expatriate policy of increasing air fares, forcing hotel bookings through airlines to book quarantine facilities is unjust.