Checking in: Travel for business takes off again on a wing and a prayer

International business travel remains limited and is unlikely to get back to the pre-covid levels for some time yet

Business executives are finally dusting off their long-unused suitcases to resume travel, thanks to a good vaccination rate, a drop in fresh cases, and an easing of travel restrictions.

It comes as a huge relief for the ravaged aviation, travel and hospitality sectors. “We are witnessing a 40 per cent recovery on pre-covid volumes from our business travellers, signalling the return of corporate confidence in air travel,” said Indiver Rastogi, president & group head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC.

The demand, he added, is not limited to large corporate houses but includes the SME segment too.

Vinod Kannan, chief commercial