NEW DELHI: In a recent session of the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), rising airfares and the apparent inaction of government regulatory bodies dominated discussions. MPs expressed frustration over the absence of effective regulation and called for stricter oversight on private airport operators and airlines to ensure that passengers are not burdened with skyrocketing airfares.
Regulatory Oversight and AERA’s Role Questioned
PAC Chairperson K.C. Venugopal termed the meeting as one of the most productive sittings, noting that all members were unified in their concerns. MPs criticized the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) for its failure to function effectively as a regulator, stating that the authority has not taken adequate steps to curb excessive airfares and maintain fair practices in the aviation sector.
Accountability Demanded from Airlines and Airport Operators
The committee questioned the role of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to empower the regulator with stronger powers to oversee airline tariffs and ensure fairness. The MPs pointed out that airlines should be mandated to maintain transparent records of their tariffs, which could be scrutinized by the DGCA to identify potential violations of fair pricing practices.
Recommendations for Strengthened Regulation
In addition to pushing for greater regulatory oversight, PAC members emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to improve accountability in the sector. These include measures to ensure that airlines are not charging excessively high fares or engaging in predatory pricing practices. The committee further recommended that the DGCA be granted more authority to regulate airfares and enforce compliance with established guidelines.
Global Examples of Enhanced Fee Transparency
Globally, other countries have taken significant steps to address transparency in airline pricing. For example, the United States has implemented regulations requiring airlines to disclose additional fees for services such as baggage and changes to reservations during the booking process. These measures aim to give consumers clearer information and help them make more informed decisions when purchasing tickets.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate Action
The PAC’s meeting highlights a growing need for regulatory reforms to address the escalating airfare crisis in India. With mounting pressure on private airlines and airports to be more transparent and accountable, these recommendations could pave the way for a more equitable and customer-friendly aviation industry in the country.
Source: Web Team, C6N
