It is clear from the reply given to the Lok Sabha by the minister of the department that the central government is not ready to control the airlines that increase airfares massively depending on the season. The minister explained that the authority to determine the airfare is with the respective airlines and that there is a limit to the government's interference in this. This is not something that people can digest. Should it be understood that the government will turn a blind eye even if the airfares keep increasing? What is the need of the Aviation Department if it cannot intervene in the mistreatment of the passengers by the profit-seeking airlines? The ones in power, who have not hesitated to crack down on price gouging in other sectors, are reluctant to crack down on the extortion on airfares.

Ticket prices increase dramatically during festival seasons and peak travel times. Taking advantage of the large number of passengers, the fare is increased manifold. Fares will go up not only on the busiest Gulf sectors, but also on domestic routes during holidays. The price of a ticket that normally costs 10,000 to 12,000 rupees can sometimes go up to 60,000 or 70,000. This may not apply to those who plan their trip long in advance, but for those who are planning to travel unexpectedly, seasonal airfares are an unaffordable punishment. Expatriates who earn a living by working hard in the Gulf countries have to suffer the most from the exploitation by the airlines. Fares tend to skyrocket during festive seasons and school holidays. This exploitation has been going on for years. Expatriate organizations abroad and at home have been protesting against this for a long time. Petitions and grievances have been sent to all the ministers in the know, but no relief measures have been taken till date.

The situation is the same even if it is the tourist season in our country. As soon as red letter days are seen next to each other on the calendar, airlines get excited - it's time to rip off passengers. Ticket prices are increasing daily during these times because it is certain that the government will not interfere. If required, the central government can end this practice which is extremely harmful to the passengers. One is forced to ask who has the authority to do all this when even the aviation minister says that he cannot interfere. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said in the Lok Sabha that the government has been in talks with the airlines against charging excessive fares. Minister clarified the government's policy in a written reply to a question by ET Muhammad Basheer. Now that it is clear that the airlines have not come to their senses for so long, it is time to exercise the powers vested in the government. The center should understand the misery of a passenger who has to buy a ticket of 10,000 rupees for 50,000 or 75,000.