The association also disputed the claim that airport charges in India constitute a very high portion of an airline's operating costs. 'The fact is that airport charges in India constitute only about 3.25 percent to 3.5 percent of total operating cost of airlines as compared to ATF (aviation turbine fuel), which constitutes 40 percent of the costs.'
'Further, contrary to general belief, Route Navigation Facilities Charges (RNFC) and Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) do not accrue to airport operators as they relate to navigation services provided by Air Traffic Control and are charged by AAI (Airports Authority of India),' the statement added.
APAO called up on all constituents of the aviation sector to co-operate to overcome the challenges successfully and continue to offer the passengers the best of services.