Airports should drop retailers’ guarantee payments tied to minimum passenger levels (effective 1 March) until the end of the coronavirus (Covid-19) emergency, according to IAADFS.

In a letter addressing the association’s partners and colleagues, President & CEO Michael Payne calls for unity in the DF&TR community to address clear challenges to the passenger traffic ‘lifeblood’ of airport and travel retail businesses.

IAADFS confirms its members have reached out individually to multiple airports seeking assistance and collaborative discussion to assess guaranteed payments to airports.

IAADFS President & CEO Michael Payne.

PAX ‘IN FREEFALL’

“Clearly, these are historic and unprecedented times: the companies that comprise the duty free and travel retail sectors are suffering devastating consequences as a result of the dramatic decline in airline passengers.

“There needs to be a rapid decision by airport authorities and their leadership to work together with the duty free and travel retail industry to ameliorate the crisis we are facing.

“Like other organisations with members in the airport retail environment, we are seeking relief for our members during this unprecedented time of difficulty.

“There are thousands of jobs at stake, including the solvency of your important duty free business partners.We are all suffering and we are all in this crisis together.”