TBM Staff - Mumbai Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) urged the civil aviation ministry to direct International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure that all refunds are processed in cash by the bankrupt Italian airline Alitalia. TAAI also appealed to MoCA to direct IATA to ensure all refunds are processed by the Airline and not place it under suspension as per the IATA-BSP rules.
Jyoti Mayal, President – TAAI, in her communication to the government, said, “No Credit Shells shall be acceptable and all refunds should be refunded back in cash into the bank accounts of accredited member agents immediately.” She further added, “Taking prompt cognizance of the issue, TAAI is in touch with the highest echelons in the Government of India, especially the ones dealing on the subject, sensitsing them about the need of taking immediate meaures and stern steps to protect the interest of the Indian travel agent’s fraternity, stakeholders dealing directlty and indirectly with the airlines, and above all the people of India.”
Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI, informed that IATA and the Government have been urged to obtain Financial Security Deposit and/or alternative security in the interim, thereby safe guarding the funds of the Indian travellers, agents. “The same should be applicable to all Airlines, their GSA’s, representative cos, who are responsible for all airline operations, liaison and handling in India,” he said.
“IATA has been requested, to ensure sufficient financial corpus is held in escrow, from the airline until all outstandings with accredited member agencies and travellers is settled by Alitalia. Further, it must be strictly ensured and no payouts to Alitalia through BSP should be effected since only refunds shall be transacted. The outstandings from the Airline is expected to be in crores of Rupees,” stated Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary General, TAAI.
