Airlines to show route-wise, date-wise fares on web sites

Domestic airlines in India were today directed to show route-wise and date-wise airfares on their web sites from Wednesday by the civil aviation regulator, the director-general of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

DGCA E.K. Bharat Bhushan took the decision after a meeting with top executives of full-service carriers, Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher. On Saturday, he had met officials of low-cost carriers, SpiceJet, IndiGo and GoAir.

After the meeting, a DGCA spokesman revealed that the move was taken to ensure transparency and to prevent passengers from being fleeced by airlines. All airlines have agreed to implement the regulator's directives by Wednesday evening, he added.

Airline web sites will have to show the route-wise tariff across their network in various fare categories, commensurate with the date of purchase.

Concerned over the soaring airfares during the holiday season, civil aviation minister Praful Patel and the regulator warned carriers not to fleece passengers by charging a premium during the peak season. Asking the airlines to roll-back their fares, Patel warned of severe action.

The DGCA then called the top airline bosses and told them the regulator had the powers to regularise airfares in case of a ''sudden and inordinate surge''. Airlines were also told to furnish their established tariffs route-wise under various categories every month.