British Airways is the latest airline to join among international and domestic carriers protesting against the additional charges for operating on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (I.G.I) Airport. The move came in the wake of the airport implementing revised rates for all airlines. The new charges will escalate operating costs in excess of 344%.
India’s domestic airlines opposing the price hike were joined in by international carriers including Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore airlines. Few members of the newly formed alliance even stepped forward for legal proceedings. The airline industry is witnessing an extreme recession with regards to rising fuel costs as well as excessive competition on regional and intercontinental routes.
IGI airport’s revised rates are expected to be followed by other domestic airports, which will result in another blow to the airline industry in India. International trade and tourism is sure to be impacted within the country. British Airways’ regional commercial manager for South Asia assured that the airlines would reconsider its strategy for India. The country is reckoned to be the 2nd largest market after UK for the British flag carrier.
The Federation of Indian Airlines as well as the International Air Transport Association (I.A.T.A) has expressed concern with India’s airports being relatively expensive. The authority at the Delhi airport will start charging fees from departing passengers next year. Domestic passengers would have to pay £2 and international passengers would have to pay £15 respectively.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.