Indonesia cuts airline fees as virus counter

The Indonesian government stepped in to support the country’s aviation and tourism industries to limit the damage the coronavirus outbreak has inflicted on airlines. The measures will include cutting landing charges and airport fees for carriers, as well as providing incentives to hotels and tourism businesses in areas popular among Chinese holiday makers, such as Bali, Manado and the Riau Islands, Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said. The ministry is projecting a 30% drop in passenger volume for airlines because of the outbreak. The government has halted all flights to mainland China since the beginning of this month to limit the spread of the virus. “The government will work together with airport operators, airlines and hotels to come up with the incentives,” Sumadi said. “We want to boost the tourism industry and encourage people to take holidays.”<br/>