Airlines, travel agents seek relief as they fly into coronavirus turbulence

International airlines operating to India have sought thirty per cent reduction in airport charges while travel agents have asked for a tax holiday and interest rate cut to support aviation and tourism sectors which are facing one of its worst crises.

Globally, airlines have grounded aircraft and slashed flights as governments have suspended visas and restricted travel to stop the spread of Covid-19. Aviation consultancy CAPA estimates most international airlines will become bankrupt by May end as travel bans squeeze their cash flows.

“Passenger uplift has dipped considerably which has affected cash flow of all airlines. The Director General of Civil Aviation has appealed to airlines to refund monies to airlines without deducting cancellation charges,” said Ravi Bodade, chairman of Board of Airlines Representatives in a letter to civil aviation ministry.