Airports and airlines seeking some relief from the government

Following the suspension of passenger services, airport lounge operators are seeking some relief on rentals that they owe airport operators. These entities are looking to pare their costs amidst sluggish business. Hong Kong-based Plaza Premium Group and Bird Group and Travel Food Services are two major lounge operators in India. While the Plaza Group operates about 15 lounges across various airports, the Bird Group operates lounges at Trivandrum, Calicut, Pune, Dehradun and Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, reportedly, airline companies in India are approaching the centre to bail them out of the COVID-19 crisis that has impacted their business. Carriers are seeking several incentives, including a significant slash in taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and a waiver of or reduction in landing and parking charges, among others. At present, the centre levies 2 per cent excise duty on ATF under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, as compared with 12 per cent imposed otherwise.