Airlines owe AAI Rs.1,111.85 crore in dues
23 Aug 2011
New Delhi: The government said last week said that as of 30 June 2011 Indian carriers cumulatively owed about Rs1,111.85 crore in dues to the Airport Authority of India (AAI). These are owed by way of service charges for parking, housing, landing charges etc.
"The outstanding dues are monitored on regular basis. In cases of delay, the AAI issues notices to the airlines to settle the dues," Vayalar Ravi, civil aviation minister, informed the Lok Sabha last week.
According to data, the list of defaulters is topped by national carrier Air India at Rs839.30 crore, followed by Kingfisher Airlines at Rs147.18 crore, and Jet Airways at Rs54.22 crore.
"Major defaulting airlines which did not settle dues even after issuance of notice are Air India and Kingfisher Airlines. Efforts are being made by the AAI to recover the dues," Ravi said.
The minister further said that the penal interest on the dues stood at Rs235.03 crore as of 30 June.
The minister added that the AAI has been authorised to take steps like issuing notices to the airlines, encashing security deposits and putting the defaulting carriers' on a cash and carry basis.
