‘Make DGCA nod must for airfare hikes’

Charging most Indian carriers with 'unreasonably' hiking air fares, a parliamentary panel has sought a probe against them and recommended that any increase in ticket prices should be approved by aviation regulator DGCA in the future. Noting that 'most of the airlines operating in the country had been overcharging the passengers by increasing the air fares unreasonably', the panel sought an investigation into the fare hikes by all airlines and said those found guilty may be penalised.

It also said the excess amount the airlines have collected 'by way of exorbitant passenger fares may be identified'. In its report tabled in Parliament last week, the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture recommended that 'in future all the airlines may be asked to increase their fares only with the approval of DGCA.'  It said a 'transparent formula' for pricing of air tickets should be evolved and 'implemented within three months.'

The Civil Aviation Ministry has commented that the DGCA plays a monitoring role and ensures that airlines display the fares of various categories.