FM's reforms fail to impress airlines bleeding in coronavirus lockdown

Industry representatives says measures are for long term but they need immediate help

The aviation reforms Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman listed on Saturday reiterate steps announced before and will not immediately help airlines bleeding in the nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus, said industry executives and analysts.

Sitharaman, at a press conference in Delhi, listed "structural reforms" for eight sectors as part of the Rs 20-trillion package Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced earlier this week. She said restrictions on utilising Indian air space will be "eased", six airports will be privatised, private companies will make an additional investment of Rs 12,000 crore on 12 airports auctioned before, and tax structure will be rationailised