IATA's Bisignani addressed Mofaz to postpone proposed increase in airport fees by 51%

Bisignani argued that the decision should be postponed until IAA carries out full consultation with ICAO, IATA and with the 40 airlines using Israel's airspace
 
IATA DG and CEO Giovanni Bisignani addressed last week Shaul Mofaz, Israel’s Transportation Minister, requesting to postpone a decision made by Israel's Airport Authority (IAA) to increase airport fees by 51%.
 
Bisignani argued that the decision should be postponed until IAA carries out full consultation with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization ), IATA and with the 40 airlines using Israel's airspace.
 
He emphasized that the airline industry is fragile and in deep crisis.  He claimed that despite the recent reduction in oil prices, commercial aviation remains in need of assistance: "We are in the perfect storm of uncontrollable fuel costs and falling demand”.
 
Bisignani also argued that ICAO insists upon negotiation before any changes are made to tariffs and tariff structure to enable airlines to fully understand their costs structure.
 
Israeli and foreign airlines that operate at Ben-Gurion International Airport in Israel set up an emergency committee last month in order to fight against Airports Authority plans to increase the airport's charges. 30 airlines sent representatives to a meeting in Tel Aviv to discuss the plans.
 
The new charges are due to take effect upon approval from the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee.