Question : CONGESTION CHARGES FROM AIR TRAVELLERS



(a) whether airlines are charging congestion charges from air-travellers;

(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor; and

(c) the remedial steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) and (b):- Yes, Sir. Some Airlines are levying congestion surcharge. However, domestic air fares are not regulated by the Government. Domestic airlines are free to charge air fares as per their commercial judgement.

(c):- Various steps are being taken to improve the infrastructure at airports and air space management, so that the incidence of congestion itself is substantially reduced. These inter-alia include construction of runways, more apron area to park aircrafts, increase in the number of traffic controllers etc.