Granddaughter pays over Rs 40,000 for Delhi-Mumbai flight, JD(U)’s K C Tyagi moves parliamentary panel: ‘Not just for her…’

In a letter written to the chairperson of the committee, Tyagi wrote on Thursday, “IndiGo’s current mismanagement has exposed the chaos in the civil aviation sector. The efficiency of the monopoly in this sector has also come under scrutiny. The contempt of the High Court’s 2024 directive has become apparent. This is also due to the complicity of DGCA officials, who made no effort to curb the laxity in compliance with regulations. The inconvenience to citizens, along with the economic exploitation of them, is even more brutal and utterly blatant. The ministry has issued clear instructions that arbitrary charging of fares beyond the prescribed fares for limited distances will be considered a criminal offence.”

Citing the experience of his family member, Tyagi wrote, “l am a victim of Air India’s arbitrary and cruel exploitation. I am submitting evidence of Air India’s arbitrary charges, disregarding the declared fare schedule. I am sending you proof of this arbitrary charge, which includes a Delhi-Mumbai fare of more than three times the amount charged.”

Tyagi said that as he had been a member of this Parliamentary Committee, he was aware of its capabilities. “It is hoped that the concerned officials will take the trouble of giving clear orders and instructions in this regard…,” wrote Tyagi.

Tyagi’s granddaughter, who travelled from Delhi to Mumbai on December 7 on an Air India flight, was charged a total fare of Rs 42,151 despite the fare cap having been effective a day earlier, he said.

Tyagi told The Indian Express, “I have raised concerns not just for my granddaughter but for all passengers who were made to pay extra fares. I have requested the government to direct the DGCA and the airlines concerned to return the extra fare levied from all aggrieved passengers. I am also approaching Parliament’s consumer affairs committee for the same.”