Oil companies stop fuel supply to Air India in six airports, flights not yet hit

MUMBAI: Oil marketing companies (OMC) stopped Air India’s jet fuel uptake in six airports, including Kochi, Pune, Patna, Ranchi, Vizag and Mohali over payment defaults on Thursday afternoon.
“Around 4 pm, Air India was informed that it would not be able to uptake fuel in these six stations. On flights operated to these airports, Air India is currently uploading double the fuel quantity so as to have enough fuel to operate the return flight without refuelling at any of these stations,” said a source. Last month, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) had threatened to stop fuel supplies, but the matter was resolved following intervention by the civil aviation ministry.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed the development. “In the absence of equity support Air India cannot handle the huge debt service liabilities. Our financial performance however this fiscal is very good and we are moving towards a healthy operating profit.