Airlines advised to self-regulate on airfares ; urges Scindia

The central government gave information in the Parliament about the number of air passengers, air fares and steps taken for the welfare of passengers. The government said in the Lok Sabha that the number of air passengers has increased to around 14 crore in the last nine years. Apart from this, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has held discussions with airlines regarding air fares.

As per further information, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Thursday (7^th December) that they have been advised to keep the interests of passengers in mind while fixing the fares. Scindia made this statement while replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha on the rise in air fares and the steps taken by the government to resolve the issue of costly air fares.

Scindia further said that air fares are fixed by airlines keeping in mind the market, demand, season and other market factors. Due to the increase in the demand for flights, the air fares have increased. Hence, the Union Ministry has held discussions with airlines and their representatives have been advised to keep the interests of passengers in mind while fixing the airfares.

Scindia further stated that the airlines are committed to ensure that airfares do not increase during incidents like natural calamities, or other calamities, etc.

Scindia further added that globally, most countries have not regulated their aviation sector. Government-imposed restrictions and fare restrictions on airlines have been removed. Non-regulation has increased competition among airlines. It has become easier for new airlines to enter the airline industry, resulting in many new airlines entering the market, increasing competition.

Shreyas Vange