Private Airline Indigo, which is also the largest airline in India by passengers carried and fleet size, is termed as the “worst performing” carrier for consumers by the parliamentary panel on Civil Aviation.
The committee was headed by a Member of Trinamool Congress Derek O’ Brien who said that the committee is very clear about Indigo’s dismal performance. He added that the airline hasn’t responded despite repeated complaints. It is the second time in the year that the committee has pulled up IndiGo.
All the 30 members of the panel unanimously agreed on that Indigo is the worst performer for being discourteous and very rigid. The panel observed that Indigo even charges for one-two kg overweight.
The same committee had earlier also reprimanded IndiGo harshly for the rude behaviour of its staff which is inadequately trained. Also, the panel observed that Indigo is charging high fares and even couldn’t make sure of the availability of food.
The committee also noted that during the festive season some of the airlines were charging 8-10 times more than the normal fares.
It has been recommended by the parliamentary panel that cancellation charges can’t be more than 50 per cent of basic fare. Also, the tax and fuel surcharge should be refunded to passengers.
O’ Brien, however, lauded Air India for having the “best luggage policy”. He also asked other airlines to enhance the maximum luggage limit and clip the baggage charges.
The chairman of the standing committee also applauded Union Minister of Shipping Nitin Gadkari for significantly improving the cargo handling in India.