Airlines seek 30% reduction in aero charges for 6 months
NEW DELHI: With travel industry struggling for survival amid the coronavirus pandemic, a tug-of-war is on between airlines and airport operators. Airlines are seeking lower aeronautics charges to keep flying planes with very low passenger occupancy and have also requested for cheaper parking charges as a large number of planes will be just grounded now due to reduced demand for travel. Airport operators, on the other hand, cite their own financial woes due to the sharp fall in revenue that comes from movement of aircraft and passengers spending at terminals on shopping and food and beverage — with both their aero and non-aero earnings severely hit.
The Board of Airlines Representatives in India, which represents most big airlines with international flights to and from India, has written to aviation ministry seeking 30% reduction in aeronautical charges for six months. “Airline industry is under tremendous pressure. The current situation is causing a lot of concern, due to flight cancellations and travel restrictions, imposed by various countries and is becoming difficult to sustain flight operations. Passenger uplifts have dipped considerably which has badly affected cash flow of airlines.”
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