IATA opposes imposition of GST on international air tickets

17 Jul 2018 Evaluate

Calling the taxation as ‘wrong’, Global airlines’ body International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strongly opposed imposition of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on international air tickets, as it breaks many international pacts to which India is a party. IATA represents more than 280 airlines across the world and its members include Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara.

IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac has said that they are asking the government to zero-rate international tickets. He also mentioned that under the new tax regime, tax at the rate of 5 percent and 12 percent is levied on economy and business class air tickets, respectively. According to him, GST was not the only challenge when it comes to taxation in the aviation sector.

The IATA chief further said that they are engaging with the government to resolve the tax-on-tax treatment of passenger fees and charges, as well as on invoicing and compliance matters. He said “We are making progress. I am cautiously optimistic for a good result. The sooner the better.”

© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×