Over 20 lakh jobs at risk in Indian aviation, dependent sectors: IATA

New Delhi: More than 20 lakh jobs are at risk in India’s aviation space and dependent sectors in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to global airlines’ grouping IATA.

Commercial flight services have been suspended till May 3 as the government has extended the nation lockdown in continuing efforts to curb spreading of coronavirus infection, which has already affected more than 11,000 people in the country.

Faced with challenging business conditions, some domestic airlines have resorted to leave without pay and by layoff of expat pilots.

Against the backdrop of the current situation that has also resulted in substantial economic disruptions, the IATA said airlines in India are also not spared.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Wednesday said that airlines globally are now facing an existential crisis as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Airlines in India are not spared. Passenger revenue is expected to fall by more than USD 8.8 billion and passenger demand decline by 36 per cent. This puts over 2 million (over 20 lakh) jobs at risk, including sectors that are dependent on aviation,” Albert Tjoeng, Assistant Director for Corporate Communications (Asia Pacific) at IATA, said.

He told PTI that the priority for the Indian government is to ensure that airlines have sufficient cash flow to tide them over this period, by providing direct financial support, facilitating loans, loan guarantees, and support for the corporate bond market.

“Taxes, levies, and airport and aeronautical charges for the industry should also be fully or partially waived,” he added.

The IATA is a grouping of around 290 airlines, including Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and SpiceJet.