AirAsia offers 6 millions promo seats amid COVID-19 outbreak
Low-cost carrier AirAsia is offering 6 million promo seats to domestic and international destinations as countries around the globe grapple with the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
Passengers can get free flights under certain conditions to Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia, Singapore and Perth in Australia, as well as slashed prices for flights to other destinations, under the carrier's BIG Sale program.
The tickets can be purchased online starting from Sunday to March 14 for flights that depart before July 1.
AirAsia Indonesia president director Veranita Yosephine said in a statement on Friday that the airline was looking for ways it could help the Indonesian government to stimulate tourism and maintain the country's economy growth, "especially in this challenging period".
The carrier also advised passengers to maintain their health before booking trips. Passengers were also advised to maintain their hygiene while flying with the airline.
The government announced last week that it would issue a stimulus package of Rp 10.3 trillion (US$722 million) in the form of incentives to, among other recipients, airlines and travel agents to help reduce the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the country’s economy.
Of the total stimulus, around Rp 443 billion will be allocated to improve domestic air travel, while Rp 298.5 billion will be disbursed to attract foreign tourists through incentives for airlines and travel agents, joint promotions and hiring influencers for promotions.
The government, however, decided on Monday to hold off on giving out the incentives following the announcement of the country’s first two confirmed COVID-19 cases. To date, Indonesia has confirmed four COVID-19 cases.
Tourist destinations in the country, including Bali, have started to feel the pinch of the virus outbreak as people remain reluctant to travel despite lower airfares and other incentives offered. (ars)