IndiGo CEO Willie Walsh says high airport charges, taxes squeeze Indian airlines as they battle costs, losses

IndiGo CEO Willie Walsh said high airport charges and taxes are squeezing Indian airlines as they face rising fuel costs, rupee depreciation, and industry-wide capacity cuts. Speaking in India’s capital, Walsh argued the market would perform better if levies were reduced, adding that IndiGo always seeks better value from airports while calling them “effective monopolies.” He said his view on airport charges and taxes had not changed since his tenure as Director General of IATA. IndiGo reported a loss of Rs 1,879.1 crore in the September quarter, and Walsh noted the airline reduced capacity and may consider fare increases to offset fuel costs, after passenger numbers fell 4.7% year-on-year for the quarter ended September 30. Walsh also said IndiGo expects to start receiving wide-body A350 aircraft in the second quarter of 2028.