New Delhi : The Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh today said beleaguered Kingfisher Airlines cannot be closed down just because it is making losses and banks are not helping it out with funds.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Mr. Singh said as long as passenger safety is not jeopardised, as long as they keep their schedule, why should it be closed. He was responding to a question from reporters whether the Government would take stringent action against the airlines if it flouts rules.

His comments came even as the Vijay Mallya-owned carrier was asked by its bankers to infuse fresh equity on its own before they lent it additional funds.

The Minister said Kingfisher has submitted a new schedule of its flights to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which would closely monitor it.