'Air surcharge unacceptable, but no action'

New Delhi: The government ruled out taking action against major private airlines for imposing an air traffic congestion surcharge on all fares, but maintained that such a step was unacceptable.
"I am completely in disagreement with the decision to hike fares in the name of air traffic congestion. If they (airlines) wanted they should have simply hiked the fares," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said.
Asked if the government planned to take action against the airlines, which have imposed such surcharge, Patel replied in the negative.
"That will be decided by the market forces," he said.
Interestingly, state-owned carrier Indian also toyed with the idea of increasing fares under the surcharge but shelved it after being 'advised' by the Civil Aviation Ministry.
06/12/06 PTI/Financial Express

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline