New Delhi: The aviation, one of the worst-hit sectors during the Covid-19 induced economic meltdown, will be left disappointed by this year's budget as it may not get any tax relief on aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
"Nothing major is going to be tabled in this budget for the aviation sector as the priorities of the government are different this time. Naturally, they will try to see that coronavirus vaccine is delivered to most of the people It will suck a lot of exchequer's money," said VP Agarwal, former chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
"In aviation, relief in the form of aid is not possible from the government side and the long-pending demand from the domestic airlines to lower taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) will likely not to be considered by the Centre," Agarwal added.
He added that in this fiscal budget, the government may focus on meeting the requirements of the defence sector owing to conflicts on the borders. "At the same time, farmers' issue is also a challenge in front of the government and so they will like to propose something to the farmers and that's why aviation is bound to be the last priority," he said.
Also Read: Limits on air fares set in seven bands as per flight durations: Puri
