Govt sets up panel to monitor air fares

The aviation regulator has set up a panel to monitor air fares, parliament was informed today.

The aviation regulator has set up a panel to monitor air fares, parliament was informed on Tuesday.

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"A tariff analysis unit has been set up in DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) to monitor tariff on a regular basis," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

In the last few weeks, airlines have increased fares for many routes.

Passengers have been particularly complaining about the Delhi-Mumbai route, where fares have risen significantly in the recent past. This route accounts for 70 percent of the total domestic air traffic.

DGCA had earlier issued notices to errant airlines, asking them to maintain transparency in publishing fares across various categories -- including the basic fare, taxes and other hidden costs.

It had also had issued notice to airlines on ticket prices and their replies are expected by Dec 1.

Patel also said that DGCA had the powers to check such malpractices and it would invoke them if airlines did not fall in line.

"The intention behind the above directions is to keep the passengers informed of the pricing pattern of airlines," said the minister.