Politics
CPI(M) MP demands accountability: calls for JPC or judicial inquiry into soaring airfare crisis
DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by NDTV, click this post to read the full article.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the formation of either a Joint Parliamentary Committee or a judicial inquiry into what he describes as a severe disruption in civil aviation and soaring airfares. He expresses concern over the recent collapse of civil aviation services, which he claims has left millions of travelers vulnerable to economic exploitation due to significant fare increases. Brittas highlights the impact of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, suggesting that the implementation has revealed serious failures in regulatory preparedness and market oversight.
In his letter, Brittas points out that the widespread cancellations and delays of flights, particularly by IndiGo, which holds a substantial share of the domestic market, have paralyzed air travel across the country. He emphasizes that the failure of a single airline has had a cascading effect on the entire aviation system, stranding countless passengers and causing them to miss critical medical appointments. While acknowledging that the revised FDTL norms were aimed at enhancing safety, he criticizes the lack of planning and foresight in their execution, which ultimately compromised passenger safety for commercial gain.
Brittas also notes that the surge in airfares was not limited to IndiGo, as other airlines followed suit, suggesting a coordinated price increase under the guise of algorithmic pricing. He raises concerns about the competitive landscape of Indian aviation, arguing that it is dominated by a few players, unlike other countries where no single airline holds such a large market share. He further critiques the privatization of airports and the limited access granted to newer or regional airports, which he believes stifles competition.
Additionally, Brittas questions the government’s claims regarding the deregulation of airfares, pointing out that existing regulations allow for intervention against excessive pricing. He expresses frustration over the government’s lack of accountability and action in addressing these issues, despite clear evidence of fare surges and regulatory failures. He concludes by advocating for a comprehensive investigation into the airline industry’s practices and the urgent establishment of a Passenger Bill of Rights to protect consumers.
