New Delhi: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) declared the operations of airlines Spicejet and GoAir under 'cash-and-carry' mode following non-payment of dues. The airlines will have to pay for operating flights at airports run by the AAI.
All airlines have to pay various changes to AAI for services like air navigation, landing, and parking among others.
According to the officials, SpiceJet owes AAI Rs 122 crore as on August 31, and GoAir Rs 52 crore.
ETV Bharat had earlier reported that the Wadia Group-owned GoAir was put on a 'cash and carry' mode from August 11, 2020.
Also Read: GoAir management continues to split
As per the sources, the two airlines are now in talks with the AAI for a repayment scheme.
Indian carriers, including SpiceJet and GoAir were hit by the COVID-19, lockdowns and travel restrictions in India and other countries in view of the pandemic.
The Ministry officials have already said that the pandemic is likely to push the AAI into the losses in FY21, for the first time since its formation in 1995. However, industry experts said that AAI aims to borrow Rs 1,000 crore by January next year and the upfront payment for privatised airports will help in garnering more funds.
Notably, Adani Group which has emerged as the highest bidder in the race for privatisation of three airports - Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Mangalore, has been asked by the AAI to take over the management of the airports by November 12, 2020.
Due to COVID-19, Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) had cited a Force majeure and filed for an extension on March 2020, seeking time till February 15, 2021. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AEL has been granted time till November 12, 2020.
