Indigo crisis gave a blow of ₹1000 crore to Delhi! Silence in markets, hotels empty, traders worried

The ongoing operational crisis in the country’s largest airline Indigo is no longer limited to the problems of passengers only, but it has broken the back of the economy of the country’s capital Delhi. The cancellation of more than 4,000 flights in the last ten days has had a direct impact on the trade and tourism sector of Delhi, which has suffered a huge loss of about ₹ 1000 crore, according to the industry body Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI). CTI says that due to the cancellation of flights, there has been a huge decline of up to 25% in the number of businessmen and customers coming to Delhi. Markets like Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk, which were usually bustling with customers, have now become less lively. This has not only affected small shopkeepers but also the sales of wholesalers. Businessmen’s backs are broken, meetings and deals are cancelled. According to CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal, about 1.5 lakh people travel through Delhi Airport every day, out of which about 50 thousand are businessmen. Due to cancellation of flights, it has become difficult for them to travel to Delhi. Many businessmen have either canceled or postponed their business trips, which is directly impacting events like business meetings, deals and exhibitions. Double blow on hotel and tourism industry. This crisis is not limited to markets only. Delhi’s hospitality industry is also suffering a big blow. Bookings cancelled: Thousands of hotel, restaurant and banquet hall bookings have been cancelled. Peak season ruined: This time just before Christmas and New Year is considered to be the most important for the hotel and tourism industry. But Indigo’s crisis has weakened the very beginning of this season. Atmosphere of fear: Tour operators say that people had already booked for Christmas and New Year holidays. But now the fear of flight cancellation is affecting these advance bookings also. People are being forced to change their plans or postpone their trips, causing huge losses not only to tour operators but also to hotels and taxis. The industry believes that if IndiGo does not improve its services soon, Delhi’s business and tourism sector may face an even bigger economic blow in the coming weeks. On one hand the confidence of Indigo is decreasing and on the other hand Delhi’s economy is weakening.