AAI allows currency exchange counters at its airports

To facilitate air travellers, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday allowed opening of currency exchange counters by scheduled commercial banks at its airports across the country.

According to the AAI, the exchange counters will be on a temporary basis and slated to operate till December 31.

"The decision of the government of India to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes across the nation has led to currency hardship for airport users and air travellers," the state-owned firm said in a statement.

"Hence, extending its support to the campaign and facilitating airport users and air travelers, AAI has decided to allow any scheduled commercial bank to open and operate on temporary basis, currency exchange counter."

However, airports operated under joint ventures (JV) have not been included in the scheme, as sufficient bank branches and exchange counters are located there.

On Monday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation suspended vehicle parking charges at all airports till the midnight of November 21.

The central government has taken various steps like suspension of toll collection on national highways till November 18, while the Indian Railways has said that it will accept the demonetised currency notes as payment for ticketing and catering purposes till November 24.

The central government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8.

--IANS

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