Aviation Ministry Moves to Cap Exorbitant Fares on Repatriation Flights
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated on Wednesday that the ministry is actively considering imposing a cap on the exorbitant fares charged for special repatriation flights operating from West Asian countries to India. The announcement comes amid growing concerns from citizens stranded abroad who are facing astronomical ticket prices to return home.
Minister Addresses Fare Concerns at AAI Event
Speaking on the sidelines of a corporate social responsibility event organized by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in Pune, Mohol emphasized that the ministry is currently collecting detailed information on the matter. A dedicated section within the ministry is working on this issue, and he assured that "whatever is happening is wrong and will be rectified." However, the minister did not provide a specific timeline for when the fare cap might be implemented or disclose further operational details.
Public Outcry Over High Repatriation Costs
Indian citizens desperate to return home have raised significant alarms regarding the steep fares being charged by airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India. These carriers have been operating special repatriation flights from various countries in West Asia, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Personal accounts highlight the financial burden faced by travelers:
- Bibvewadi resident Kiran Oswal, who was stuck in the UAE, paid Rs 41,000 for a single ticket to travel from Fujairah to Mumbai last Wednesday.
- NIBM Road resident Vinod Solanki spent over Rs 4 lakh to book seats on a chartered flight for six family members.
- On an airline's website, a one-way trip from Jeddah to Mumbai for March 20 is listed at SAR 4,200 (Saudi Arabian Riyal), equivalent to approximately Rs 1 lakh.
Immediate Action Demanded by Returnees and Families
People who have safely returned to India and families of citizens still struggling to exit West Asia are urging the aviation ministry to implement the fare cap without delay. One city-based family, which returned last week after spending around Rs 2 lakh for four tickets, expressed frustration: "It should have been applicable by now. Why has the aviation ministry not taken steps already? Many were forced to pay large amounts of money as fares to return home."
Precedent and Broader Fare Control Measures
Minister Mohol referenced a previous instance where the ministry successfully controlled airfares for individuals seeking to leave Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack last year. This indicates a potential framework for the current situation. Additionally, he mentioned that a similar approach would be considered regarding Air India's recent announcement to levy a fuel surcharge of Rs 399 on domestic flights, suggesting broader fare regulation efforts.
Industry Calls for Regulatory Framework
Earlier, representatives from the travel industry had advocated for the automatic implementation of fare caps during extreme circumstances, such as repatriation crises. They emphasized the need for a formal rule to be formulated to prevent price gouging and ensure affordability for citizens in distress.
AAI Announces Major Investment in Aviation Infrastructure
At the same event, AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar unveiled ambitious plans to strengthen India's aviation infrastructure. He announced that Rs 10,000 crore will be invested over the next two years to enhance navigational systems, including air traffic control towers and other critical equipment at airports across the country.
Kumar outlined a vision to establish India as an international aviation hub by 2047, aligning with the Prime Minister's emphasis. Key goals include:
- Increasing the total number of airports from the current 164 to 350 by 2047.
- Adding 50 more airports by 2029.
- Expanding Pune airport, with a request for 300 acres of land coordinated with the state government to extend runways.
This comprehensive development aims to support growing air traffic and improve overall aviation services in the region.
