No proven basis for high fare for India-U.K flights: Civil aviation ministry

The Union civil aviation ministry has informed that there are no proven basis for the allegation that the airline companies have been charging exorbitant fares on India-U.K routes. The ministry issued a statement regarding this on twitter after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) asked the airlines to submit the details about their fares.

“There are media reports claiming India-UK one-way economy class fares have touched Rs. 4 lakhs. These reports have no proven basis. The veracity of Sh Sanjeev Gupta’s claim has been thoroughly checked by @DGCAIndia,” the ministry said.

“The fares offered on the Delhi-London sector (Economy class) range from 1.03-1.21 lakhs for Indian carriers and 1.28-1.47 lakhs for UK carriers for travel during August 2021,” it added in a subsequent tweet.

There are media reports claiming India-UK one-way economy class fares have touched Rs. 4 lakhs. These reports have no proven basis. The veracity of Sh Sanjeev Gupta’s claim has been thoroughly checked by @DGCAIndia.

— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) August 8, 2021

It was Sanjeev Gupta, secretary at the ministry of home affairs who raised the issue on twitter.

“Fare of ?3.95 lakh one way Delhi to London on Aug 26. No, it’s not 1st class. It’s economy on @British_Airways @airindiain @airvistara etc. also 1.2 to 2.3 lakh. College admission time! See minimum fare on @GoogleTravel in August. Have alerted Secretary @MoCA_GoI @JM_Scindia,” tweeted Gupta, sharing screenshots of the airfares.

After that DGCA asked the airlines to submit the details.

It was after India’s travel ban status being changed from ‘red’ to ‘amber’ by the U.K, that the allegation of unfair pricing of air ticket intensified.