Domestic airlines have asked the Government to look in to 11 private airports, such as those in Delhi and Mumbai, that levy landing charges on airlines operating smaller aircraft seating less than 80 passengers. Airports run by the State-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) do not charge the airlines for these aircraft.

At a meeting with V Somasundaram, Secretary, Civil Aviation, senior officials of various domestic airlines also said that the industry should be granted infrastructure status, a move which will make it easier for it to raise funds. The meeting had been called to get the views of stakeholders on the proposed Civil Aviation Policy, which the Government plans to finalise soon.

The Government’s re-examination of the rules for allowing domestic airlines to start international operations was also raised at the meeting. At the moment, the Government policy states that a domestic airline must have a fleet of 20 aircraft and have operated in the domestic skies for at least five years before being allowed to start international operations.

Beneficiaries

The Government plans to review this policy, a decision which has been protested by existing players. Any dilution or removal of the norms is likely to benefit new entrants like AirAsia and the soon to be launched Vistara (the full service joint venture airline between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines). Airlines also said that equipment at alternative airports, where diverted flights land during the fog season, should function properly. During the winter fog affects normal airline operations and it is not uncommon for a flight coming into Delhi to be diverted to Lucknow or Jaipur.

Some airlines also said that while developing new airports it should be ensured that there is enough runway and apron space to accommodate the growing needs of the sector.

Rohit Nandan, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India; Giorgio De Roni, Chief Executive Officer, GoAir; and Debashis Saha, Associate Vice-President, SpiceJet were among the senior airline officials who attended the meeting.

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