Air Deccan issues monsoon advisory

Bangalore, May 21 (UNI) Budget airline Air Deccan today issued its Monsoon advisory for passengers intending to travel between June and September.

The airline warned about disruption of its flights due to adverse weather conditions created by the onset and spread of monsoon in all parts of the country.

To minimise the impact of possible flight disruptions on its passengers, Air Deccan had activated a centralised 24 hour Monsoon Response Helpline. The helpline number, which was line three of the IVR at 39008888 (prefix city code) was displayed on its website.

Passengers could now call the helpline for latest flight schedules anytime of the day or night. Regular SMS alerts on possible delays and cancellations would also be sent out to passengers throughout this period, a company release said here today.

Unfavourable weather conditions such as heavy rains, thunderstorms and cyclonic winds could lead to flights being delayed, rescheduled, cancelled or diverted to other stations. Such measures had to be taken to ensure the safety of all those on board. These were temporary weather related phenomenon, beyond the airline's control.

Passengers intending to fly in the coming months were likely to be affected and therefore were strongly advised to check their flight's schedule before leaving for the airport and to ensure suitable time gap in case of planning to board connecting flights.

In case of unfavorable weather, if an Air Deccan flight was unable to land at its scheduled destination, it would be diverted to another suitable airport. Passengers would be flown to their destinations at the earliest and if that was not possible, Air Deccan would fly its passengers back.

If a flight is cancelled, Air Deccan would accommodate the passengers on its next flight and alternately provide the option of availing a free reschedule (within one week from the original date of travel) or a full refund of the booking.

Deputy Chief Operation Officer Captain Preetham Phillip said ''Air Deccan is geared up to tackle the monsoon. The four month monsoon period is expected to adversely impact air transport in all parts of the country and more so in the coastal destinations. Our priority is to ensure minimum inconvenience to our passengers and the least disruption in our operations and flight schedules.'' UNI