In the wake of coronavirus being declared a global pandemic, the government of India has dissuaded people from travelling abroad especially to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, Japan, France, Spain and Germany. According to The Economic Times, existing tourist visas to the country have been suspended from March 13 to April 15, 2020.
This has affected airlines negatively and some are trying to promote flying by sending out emails to their customers.
According to Business Standard, SpiceJet sent one saying, “At SpiceJet, we are taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of our passengers. At the same time, we would like to assure everyone that it is absolutely safe to continue international travel, tourism and trade and advise everyone to take necessary precautions to avoid the risk of infection.”
They added that their ground staff is using sanitizers and wearing masks and gloves. Also, “during night halt, extensive deep cleaning of aircraft is being done.”
Needless to say, people were not impressed with the “Travel Without Worry” email which downplays COVID-19 calling it “less infectious than FLU” and mentions that WHO allegedly said, “there should be no travel restrictions.”
Meanwhile-airline industry reeling under the “don’t travel abroad” advisory in the wake of #Corona scare
Spicejet sending these msgs- urging travelers to not cancel their plans- “safe to travel”
All precautionary steps being taken,it says
“Travel restrictions not a solution” pic.twitter.com/G7U7S6fURf
— Zeba Warsi (@Zebaism) March 11, 2020
Yo SpiceJet what the actual fuck pic.twitter.com/GBXvKnShfO
— A (@Aarsun) March 12, 2020
They have added logos of WHO and Harvard Med School as if this message is endorsed by them. They are opening themselves up to a lot more than public dissent.
— Madhura Rane (@madhurarane) March 11, 2020
Really, @flyspicejet? Most countries, including India, disagree with you. pic.twitter.com/bM2jAHf73X
— Vindu Goel (@vindugoel) March 11, 2020
SHOCKING! Shame on you @flyspicejet #coronavirus #spicejet pic.twitter.com/2PgAbBVYr8
— lucavix (@lucavix) March 11, 2020
The Indian Express quoted a spokesperson of the airline saying,
“Please note, the image you have attached in your mail is a part of the emailer which was shared by SpiceJet to its passengers informing them about coronavirus and travel. The airline had never issued any social media post on the same.”
Misleading people during a health emergency to prevent cancellations and encourage fresh bookings is totally not done SpiceJet.