Things have gotten so desperate in India’s Air industry that a strike had been called for August 18. On this day private airlines like Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Spicejet would opt not to fly in a move to draw attention to the plight of India’s Airlines. The strike has been tentatively called off after an invitation by the government for talks.

Private carriers are demanding an easing of hefty taxes an airport charges at India’s airports. It is not considered likely that the government will give much ground on this issue, but they may be able to find some to appease the airlines. It has also been noted by the government that the one day strike would not have been a good move for the airlines. It would have created bad press, angered passengers and cost them a day’s revenue.

While this issue is particularly dire at the moment due to economic difficulties, this is actually part of a conflict between airlines and the government that has gone on for many years. India’s states impose much heavier taxes, parking charges, airport charges and airport taxes than other countries making it more difficult to run a successful airline in a developing nation.