In a bid to attract attention, boost travel, and arguably confidence, Emirates has offered to cover funeral expenses of its fliers if they contact COVID-19 and later succumb to the virus.

Claiming it to be a first for any airline in the world, the Dubai-based carrier said it will cover medical expenses of up to EUR 150,000 (about Rs 1.3 crore) and quarantine costs of EUR 100 (about Rs 8,800) per day for 14 days, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home.

Funeral costs of up to Rs 1.32 lakh are also covered.

The cover, the airline reiterated, is provided free of cost to its customers. The offer is valid for travel from July 23, 2020, until October 31, 2020.

"It is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination," the airline said in an announcement in late July.

COVID-19 testing expenses, however, are not covered under the offer.

What Indian airlines are offering

Airlines in India are also doing their bit to woo passengers in a market where they are hovering around the half-way mark.

While SpiceJet offers discounts on insurance cover, GoAir has incentives on doctor consultation and full body checkups.

There are also special offers for doctors, nurses, and the armed forces, in line with the current sentiment in the country, with regards to COVID-19 and the standoff with China.