DGCA seeks info on ticket pricing from airlines

With concern being expressed over steep fluctuation in airfares, civil aviation regulator DGCA has sought details from the airlines on their pricing ways, especially the highest fare bucket.

The latest move comes against the backdrop of concern expressed in various quarters, including by the MPs, about steep fluctuation in airfares, mainly during emergency situations and peak seasons.

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The regulator has sought details of ticket prices from the airlines, especially those sold in the highest fare bucket, a DGCA official said today.

As it seeks to clamp down on airlines charging exorbitant ticket prices, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also asked them to submit specific information about the number of seats and relevant fares on 20 identified routes, the official said.

The routes, for which ticket pricing information has been sought, include those connecting Jammu and Kashmir, Leh and Port Blair.

On Wednesday, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju had told Lok Sabha that the ministry would hold consultations with the airlines to explore the possibility of curbing charging of exorbitant airfares during emergency situations.

"The ministry will commence the process of consultations with stakeholders, including airlines, to explore possibility of containing fares," he had said.

His assurance had come amid Lok Sabha members voicing concern over exorbitant airfares during emergency situations like unprecedented floods in Chennai and Srinagar and the recent Jat agitation.