Indian airlines facing tough competition; cost environment also not in favour: IATA chief

10 Jun 2019 Evaluate

International Air Transport Association (IATA) chief Alexandre de Juniac has said that Indian aviation market is facing very tough competition and the cost environment too is not in their favour amid Jet Airways, the 25-year-old airline, shuttering operations. He pointed out that high costs, adverse conditions like fluctuation in rupee against the US dollar and strong competition were putting pressure on the profitability of country’s airlines. He also noted that India was one of the world's fastest growing domestic aviation market but growth turned negative in April 2019, in the wake of crisis at full service carrier Jet Airways.

Talking about Jet Airways, which was a strong and contributing member of IATA, de Juniac said that the airline's grounding was a pity and also reflects tough competition in the sector. He said 'It tells us that the Indian market is tough due to macroeconomic conditions, the rupee, the oil prices and more generally the costs.” He also felt that these are putting pressure on the profitability of Indian members and it is a market where the competition is very tough.

Noting that cost environment is not very favourable for airlines in India, IATA chief said prospects for the airlines' industry are less positive than six months ago. He also said ‘it is a global trend, which is more accurate and visible for cargo than for passengers. We still see strong demand in the passenger business.’ On expectations from the new government in India, he said taxes can be lowered, competition on fuel supply can be improved and more efforts being taken on regulating airports.

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

×