Stunned by the steep rise in flight fares between India and UK, senior Indian Administrive Service (IAS) officer Sanjeev Gupta has filled a compliant with the the Civil Aviation Ministry.
Mr. Gupta took to Twitter and said that this exponential rise in flight fares come at a time when colleges in UK are beginning admissions. Also relatives and guardians of students studying in UK institutes have raised concern at the exorbitant flight fares.
He tweeted, “The APIs from Airlines being consumed by Travel Portals have issues in some cases. If economy class is not available, it automatically fetches business fare but shows economy only on travel portal. The basic point still remains Rs 1.2 lakh for one-way direct flight is still too high,”
Several screenshots regarding the high flight flares were shared by the IAS officer which included, “price for one way Delhi to London flight of British Airways of Rs 3,95,306, and Air India showing of Rs 2,32,053 for one way for economy class.”
In response, national carrier Air India said, “Sir, we are trying to identify the source of these fares. The current fares available on our official website for Delhi London sector is approximately Rs 1.15 L.”
Mr. Gupta replied, “Even Rs 1.15 lakh is exorbitant and unaffordable for most students seeking admission purely on merit and not on financial strength. I am able to identify perhaps a technical issue in display of those very high fares on travel portals & @GoogleTravel. Will write in some time.”
Acting upon this conversation, the Civil Aviation Ministry asked the private airlines to submit details regarding the price they have charged for fights between India and the UK.
