The COVID-19 pandemic which has brought the aviation industry in India to a standstill could lead to a loss of about 20 lakh jobs, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The IATA on 15th April said that all airlines now face an existential crisis globally and Indian aviation has not been spared.

“Passenger revenue is expected to fall by more than $8.8 billion and passenger demand decline by 36% in India,” IATA Assistant Director for Corporate Communications (Asia Pacific) Albert Tjoeng said. “This puts over 2 million jobs at risk, including sectors that are dependent on aviation.”

Tjoeng suggested that the Indian government should partially waive taxes and aeronautical charges for the aviation industry. He said that the government should also ensure that airlines have enough cash flow, by providing loans, direct financial support, loan guarantees and support for the corporate bond market.