Air passengers fume at new surcharge

The Rs 150 air traffic congestion surcharge being levied by some airlines to upset the losses incurred on fuel burn while circling over airports has evoked sharp criticism from air passengers.
Terming this as ridiculous, the Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) is exploring possibility to challenge the decision by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Speaking to HT, APAI president Sudhakar Reddy said, "How are the passengers responsible for the congestion and why should they be penalised for no fault of theirs? After the formation of the Federation of Indian Airlines, we had doubts on their motives and the new surcharge has now confirmed it. It is a result of cartelisation."
While asking airlines to reconsider their decision APAI has blamed the Union Civil Aviation ministry for the congestion. "Licences should not have been issued to so many players without improving airport infrastructure," Reddy added.
01/12/06 Lalatendu Mishra/Hindustan Times

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