(a) whether the Government is aware of the disproportionate fine imposed by various airline companies for extra baggage, if so, the details of guidelines by Aviation Ministry in this regard and the action taken to restrict this practice;
(b) the steps taken by Union Government to make airport paperless and environment friendly;
(c) whether all airports in the country have free Wi-fi services; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Jayant Sinha)
(a): As the Government has allowed some of the services provided by airline to be unbundled and charge seperately on opt-in basis, these charges are not considered within the ambit of fine.
Services that have been unbundled includes check-in baggage charges (above 15 kgs. of free check-in baggage allowance. Between 15-20 kgs of check-in baggage, the charge per kg shall not be more than INR 100). However, airlines are allowed to offer "no check-in baggage/ hand baggage only" fare scheme subject to the condition that the penalty to be imposed on passenger, who avails such schemes but turns up with baggage for check-in at airline counter, cannot exceed the amount of incentive offered compared to lowest fare.
In this regard, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued Air Transport Circular 02 of 2016 on Unbundle of services and fees by scheduled airlines.
(b): Government is continuously pursuing with Airports for taking environmental friendly measures like use of solar power, water conservation, water-recycling, sewage treatment plants, etc..
(c) and (d): The details of Wi-Fi services available at airports is at Annexure ''A''.