Can't allow high airfares in the name of deregulation: Panel

A parliamentary panel has recommended to the government not to allow airlines to charge high airfares during the festive and holiday seasons in the name of deregulation.

"... The committee has taken a very strong view and the committee notes specially that during vacations and festivals, some airlines are charging 8-10 times more," All India Trinamool Congress MP and Head of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture Derek O`Brien told reporters here. 

"So our strong message to the airlines, through the ministry is that we cannot allow this to happen in the name of deregulation." 

According to the Parliamentary panel`s other recommendations, airline`s cancellation charges should not be allowed to exceed 50 per cent of the basic fare. 

"The committee has recommended that an airline cannot charge more than 50 per cent of basic fare as cancellation charges," O`Brien said.

"The tax and the fuel surcharge should be refunded to the passengers, because airlines are charging too much, especially some private airlines."