The decision to remove the cap on airfares, imposed during the COVID-19 induced lockdown, is being described as a ‘mixed bag’ by aviation experts. They argue that, the step aimed at providing a competitive thrust to the country’s aviation industry will serve no purpose if airlines continue to burden air travellers, taking advantage of the recent decision on airfare. So, despite the withdrawal of the price cap on air tickets, a strict vigil on airlines should be maintained to ensure that passengers are not taken advantage of. In this context, it should be mentioned that notwithstanding the cap in place, airfares had already increased courtesy of higher aviation fuel costs and a weak rupee. Thus, it will be a real blow to travellers if they are forced to pay even more from September 1, especially for the people from the Northeastern region as air travel is the quickest and most popular option to access the mainland and various states and cities within the region. For example, recently the rail and road connectivity between the southern part of Assam, Manipur and Mizoram with the outer world was completely cut-off due to nature’s fury. The only way to reach these places was to take flights. Initially, the airlines were charging exceptionally high prices for flying between Guwahati and Silchar, two cities of the same state. As fliers protested, the Assam government quickly took action and instructed airlines not to charge more than INR 3000 per ticket and warned airlines of stern action for violation of the order.
So, the airlines should be told in no uncertain terms to respect passengers’ rights and safety, and any violation of these two points may bring back the cap on airfares immediately. The airlines should also keep in mind that with the easing of restrictions and increase in the flow of passengers, the government has taken the decision, anticipating no violation of normal business ethics. But, if the airlines treat the decision as a scope only for increasing fares the entire purpose of providing a competitive field will be defeated. At the same time, the airlines should not compromise safety norms in any manner. It is being alleged that for the sake of profit, many airlines are not following safety norms as per industry regulations, which have come to light due to various technical glitches in recent times. As most airlines have reached high capacity utilisation since the beginning of the year, which effectively means that even with the existing fare, the companies are making profits, they should take necessary steps to keep the aircrafts in perfect condition. The step (removal of fare cap) has been taken to attract more passengers to this sector, so that the aviation industry can be benefitted, the opportunity should not be taken advantage of by imposing increased airfare on already burdened travellers.
