New Delhi, August 02: A day after private airlines threatened to go on a day’s strike on August 18, the Centre has decided to act tough.
The Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body of airlines in the country, on Saturday asked private airlines to formally inform it of the reasons behind their decision.
Reiterating the government’s advice to the airlines against suspending operations on August 18, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel ruled out any bailout package to the carriers. He maintained that the State taxes on aviation turbine fuel had been an issue even before the present carriers came into existence, adding the government could not be expected to extend financial help to loss-making carriers.
The DGCA, in a letter to all private airlines, further said that in case of cancellation of flights, the airlines are required to refund to the passengers the full amount paid by them within seven days of cancellation if the ticket was purchased through the credit card, and immediately if the ticket was bought on cash.
It asked the carriers to confirm compliance with its directive within 48 hours, failing which they would attract legal action as provided under the Aircraft Act and Rules and relevant regulations. Mr. Patel said Air India would operate additional flights on August 18 to minimise inconvenience to passengers.
–Agencies