The civil aviation ministry's objection to check-in baggage charges has left airlines confused as authorities had readily permitted the introduction of such a fee only three months ago.
Aviation regulator DGCA had allowed airlines to "unbundle" their services, including baggage handling, and seek separate charges from fliers. But the aviation ministry has now asked the DGCA not to allow carriers to charge a fee for checking in baggage.
"An air transport certification dated March 24, 2015, states that the government has decided to permit charging of check-in baggage," said SpiceJet COO Sanjiv Kapoor, who was the first to draw attention to the inconsistent policy.
SpiceJet's general manager (corporate affairs), Ajay Jasra, said that the airline had been promoting the concept of flying light since March.
"We have already done it by periodically coming out with special schemes for those with no check-in baggage. And we did not approach the DGCA afresh for permission. It has already been allowed since March," he said.
29/06/15 Aditya Anand/Mumbai Mirror
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Aviation regulator DGCA had allowed airlines to "unbundle" their services, including baggage handling, and seek separate charges from fliers. But the aviation ministry has now asked the DGCA not to allow carriers to charge a fee for checking in baggage.
"An air transport certification dated March 24, 2015, states that the government has decided to permit charging of check-in baggage," said SpiceJet COO Sanjiv Kapoor, who was the first to draw attention to the inconsistent policy.
SpiceJet's general manager (corporate affairs), Ajay Jasra, said that the airline had been promoting the concept of flying light since March.
"We have already done it by periodically coming out with special schemes for those with no check-in baggage. And we did not approach the DGCA afresh for permission. It has already been allowed since March," he said.
29/06/15 Aditya Anand/Mumbai Mirror
