Grounded at Delhi Airport: Government Intervenes to Prevent Airfare Gouging
In the wake of a devastating roof collapse incident at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Indian government has sprung into action to safeguard air travelers from exorbitant ticket prices.Following the suspension of operations at Terminal 1, which handles domestic flights for IndiGo and SpiceJet, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a stern directive to airlines. The ministry has instructed carriers to ensure that there is no "abnormal surge" in airfares for flights to and from the national capital.Recognizing the potential for exploitation of the situation, the government has also established a dedicated "war room" to ensure that passengers receive full refunds for any cancelled flights. This move is aimed at providing relief to travelers who have been inconvenienced by the disruption in airport operations.The roof collapse, which occurred during heavy rainfall, has resulted in the tragic loss of one life and left several others injured. With Terminal 1 temporarily shut down, the ministry has directed the Airports Authority of India to conduct thorough inspections of the structural integrity of all major and minor airports across the country.In a series of posts on the social media platform X, the ministry has advised airlines to waive off any penalties for flight cancellations and rescheduling due to the incident. This measure is intended to alleviate the burden on passengers who may have to alter their travel plans.The government's proactive response underscores its commitment to protecting the interests of air travelers and maintaining the integrity of the aviation sector. By establishing a "war room" and closely monitoring airfares, the authorities aim to prevent any exploitation of the situation and ensure that the public is not subjected to exorbitant ticket prices during this period of disruption.As the investigation into the roof collapse incident continues, the aviation ministry's swift actions have been widely welcomed by the public and industry stakeholders alike. This episode serves as a testament to the government's willingness to intervene and safeguard the rights of air passengers, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
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