New Delhi:
The Civil Aviation Ministry is working on options to address the issue of high airlines fares, especially during festive seasons, in the wake of concerns expressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue but ruled out regulating ticket prices.
According to sources, the government is planning to encourage the use of unutilized bilateral rights with other countries that could lead to higher availability of seats and reduction in fares.
Another option could be to induce competition by slashing of fares. A lead in this regard could perhaps be taken by the state carrier, they said.
However, the sources ruled out official regulation of airfares since it would be against the grain of competition and free market principles.
The Prime Minister had recently expressed concern over steep rise in airfares and had asked "whether there is a way to handle it (the issue)".
Prime Minister Modi had received a representation that airfares have skyrocketed during the Onam festival, predominantly celebrated in Kerala. Many Keralites - working in the Middle East - have to buy air tickets on high prices to celebrate festival back home, the sources said.
Last week, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma had said the issue of predatory pricing was a concern of a majority of parliamentarians.