The Wadia Group-controlled GoAir has shut down its international operations till April 15.
With borders closing, visas scrapped, and all COVID-19 advisories insisting that people avoid all-but-necessary travel even inside the country, the aviation sector is really badly off. The Wadia Group-controlled GoAir has shut down its international operations till April 15. IndiGo Airlines and Air India have also cancelled several international flights. GoAir has initiated a short-term rotational leave-without-pay programme that will not only help the company tide over the short-term reduction in capacity but will also ensure that a cross-section of our employees stays away from the workplace for a month at a time to ensure business continuity, says Vinay Dube, CEO, GoAir.
GROUNDED: Cancelled flights at Kolkata airport. Photo: ANI
THE BAILOUT PLEA
Airlines in India have petitioned the government for immediate support. Some of their demands are:
Bring ATF (aviation turbine fuel), which accounts for 40% of airlines’ expenditure, under GST; at present, ATF attracts excise at 11% and VAT up to 30%
Remove infrastructure charges levied by airports and oil companies from the ATF bill
Waive parking and housing charges for the next six months
Count aviation among core sector’ industries.
