Domestic air transport resumed across India last month after nearly 60 days of closure.
New Delhi:
Amid raging arguments, the Supreme Court today gave the center three weeks to respond to a petition on the reimbursement of the full cost of airline tickets booked after India announced one of the most stringent bans. strict in the world in March to fight coronavirus.
Ticket money can be adjusted in the form of credits for flyers they can use to travel over the next two years, suggested the higher court when hearing a motion filed by a non-profit organization. profit – Pravasi Legal Cell.
“Nowhere in the world do airlines reimburse the full fare. We would like to sit down and chat with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and find a solution,” said SpiceJet, one of the largest low-cost airlines. from India, in court.
“This is my personal opinion … the money should be refunded,” said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta at the hearing.
Lawyer Harish Salve, who represents SpiceJet, told the court: “Airlines have suffered a $ 60 billion blow worldwide due to the pandemic. About 49% of flight costs are fixed. “There is no income for the airlines.”
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the airlines were invited by the higher court to discuss the terms and respond because the court said all the airlines would be heard.
In its petition, the non-profit organization – Pravasi Legal Cell – asked for full reimbursement of tickets reserved for the trip during the lockout, urging the Supreme Court to say that the non-reimbursement of the amount of tickets by airlines was “illegal and contrary to civil law”. aviation requirement “issued by the aviation regulator – Directorate General of Civil Aviation or DGCA.
The petitioner has argued that the airlines, instead of fully refunding the amount collected for canceled tickets, offer a credit envelope valid for up to one year.
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled after three weeks.
Domestic air transport resumed across India last month after nearly 60 days of closure. Many passengers have complained of last minute cancellations amidst airport chaos. The government has said it may consider resuming international flights soon.
