Bharat Bandh: Vistara Airlines announces free cancellation, change in flights today

In view of Bharat Bandh, the nation-wide protest called by Dalit organisations, violent protests were witnessed in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab. Situation has become grave in some areas where Section 144 has been imposed like in Gwalior. [caption id=“attachment_4131231” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] Several Dalit organisations, who called for a ‘bandh’ today, are expressing concerns over the alleged ‘dilution’ of the SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Following a Supreme Court (SC) order, in which the SC has banned automatic arrests in the said Act, protests have reportedly hit life in several states. Hundreds of protesters forced shopkeepers and other establishments to down shutters in several cities in Punjab. Similar protests have been reported from Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi and Jharkhand. In view of the unrest and uncertain conditions prevailing in some part of the country, Vistara airline has offered free change/cancellation for customers travelling today, i.e.: 2 April, 2018 to/from airports in the affected parts in the country, Vistara is also waiving the applicable fare difference in case the booking is rescheduled. Customers can contact the airline’s 24x7 customer service center or airport ticketing offices for assistance.

Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. It commenced operations on 9 January 2015 with its inaugural flight between Delhi and Mumbai. Last week, Vistara had introduced its first male cabin crew as part of plans to be an “equal opportunity employer”. The crew took to the skies following the completion of a three-month safety and service training programme to the exacting standards of Tata and Singapore Airlines, the airline said in a statement.