IndiGo MD urges aviation tax cuts to unlock demand

IndiGo managing director Rahul Bhatia urged the government to cut aviation taxes, rationalise airport charges and review pilot duty norms, arguing lower airfares would unlock 'massive' demand. He noted airlines absorbed cost pressures, with fares rising just 1-3% despite 12% inflation, while airport charges surged up to 95%. Bhatia said taxing flying as an elite mode is counterproductive as it is now a public utility. IndiGo controls 66.3% of India's domestic market.