Naidu's High-Flying Huddle: Airlines Seek Relief as Turbulence Hits Indian Skies

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and the senior officials met officials from several airlines on Tuesday to discuss the urgent issues with the aviation industry following the recent disruptions. The issue of flight cancellations and delays due to temporary airport shutdowns following the recent India-Pakistan military face-off was discussed.

 

Airlines, at the meeting, complained about operational losses, such as loss of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) during the shut-down of 32 airports in northern and western India, shut to civilian flights from May 9 and re-opened on May 12. The shut-down resulted in cancellation of more than 300 flights a day, affecting passenger traffic as well as airline revenues, particularly during the peak summer holiday season.

 

Airlines also demanded relief on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) taxes citing the financial hardship added to by the disruptions. Minister Naidu asked airlines to recognize the efforts of the armed forces and consider gestures such as on-board announcements.

 

Enhanced security protocols and airspace use adjustments, including longer international flights due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, were also discussed. The ministry earlier called for full feedback from airlines regarding the operational and financial impacts of these disruptions, with airlines already submitting reports.

 

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) affirmed normalcy of operations, while a few flight schedules and security processing time might still be affected by continuing security screening and varying airspace conditions.

 

Source: The Economic Times