It is not clear what purpose is served by keeping afloat a company that is on a financial drip, has lost market share, and worse, has employees who strike at the drop of a hat.
Yet, for some strange reason, the Union government persists with quixotic plans to “revive” the airline. It has been claimed that shutting down Air India is not an option as a “vacuum” will be created, leading to high airfares.
These issues should be left to the aviation market to decide. In case there is sufficient demand, others will step in. But continuing to pander to Air India is a waste of taxpayers’ money. After many rounds of reorganization, infusions of money and equity, the airline remains beset with the same problems. It is best to shut it down.
