Don't let Kingfisher Airlines fly, Directorate General of Civil Aviation asked

NEW DELHI: Grounded Kingfisher Airlines' (KFA) wings are getting increasingly clipped each passing day, raising doubts over its ability to fly again. Now, GVK-backed Mumbai International Airport(MIAL) asked DGCA not to allow KFA to fly again till its clears its dues of Rs 23 crore. MIAL has also sought de-recognition of KFA's seven planes parked in Mumbai.

This letter is bad news for KFA as aviation authorities are first going to speak to various agencies whom the airline owes money to seek their views of whether it can fly again. Unless the airline is able to substantially clear dues to all vendors, service providers and employees or convince them that it would do so with a plan, the DGCA is unlikely to revoke KFA licence suspension.

"Since last November, KFA has been flying in fits and starts. That can't be permitted. Unless they are able to maintain their schedule with full safety, there is no point letting it fly again," said sources.

The GMR-backed Delhi and Hyderabad airports have already taken KAF to court over dues. State-run AAI has done the same. "We have had enough of promises and plans. The airline management must cough up cash and securitize all dues. It should not expect other stakeholders to fund the airline's operations," said an airport operator.

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