By IANS,
New Delhi : The government last week said that all the Indian carriers together owed about Rs.1,111.85 crore in dues to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) as of June 30, 2011, for using its various services like parking, housing and landing charges.
“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 furnished by the ministry, the list of defaulters is led by national carrier Air India at Rs.839.30 crore, followed by Kingfisher Airlines at Rs.147.18 crore, and Jet Airways at Rs.54.22 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 Rs.235.03 crore as of June 30.
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.