he Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has opposed the new ground handling policy, which is to come into effect from January 1, and the proposed amendments in the refund rules due to flights delays. The airlines' body has formed a committee, headed by its general secretary Anil Baijal, which will make its representation to the government.

"We had a discussion on the industry-related issues, like new ground handling policy, proposed amendments in the civil aviation requirements norms by the DGCA and others, and we don't want it," Kingfisher Airlines chairman Vijay Mallya said today after a two-hour-long meeting here.

The new ground handling policy, which will come into effect from January 1, restricts the number of ground handling agencies at the airports. The airlines say they would have to spend more on ground handling as at present they have many options.

The airlines body has also discussed the proposed hike in the landing and parking charges and catering issues. "We would put forward the concerns of the passengers and the airlines when the committee makes its representation to the DGCA and the AERA in next few days over these issues," Mallya said.