'Aviation fuel is among the highest in the world,' said Baijal, adding this expenditure alone added 30-40 percent of an airline's operational costs.

The federation secretary general also said member carriers were already burdened by a low fares and a sharp dip in passenger traffic, and that in such difficult times, they were naturally looking for help from the government.

'This is a well considered decision of private carriers,' added Baijal.

He said the carriers would take whatever logistical action was needed as the result of suspension of operations, like refund of money for tickets already booked.

Thus far, the civil aviation ministry has ruled out any bailout package for the aviation industry, even though moves are afoot to help the national carrier tide over one of its worst crises.