TAFI deplores levy of Congestional Surcharge on passengers

New Delhi, Dec 2 (UNI) The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has expressed dismay over the domestic airlines decision to levy a 'Congestional Surcharge' of Rs 150 per sector.

The decision is inexplicable in view of the fact that same airlines seem to be engaged in a fierce advertising war to publicise the lowest fares, the Federation said.

The Federation deplored that airlines continue to mislead the public by advertising ostensibly low fares while leaving out the surcharges, which are substantial, and which every passenger has to pay at the time of ticketing.

TAFI asserted that all surcharges -- fuel, insurance, congestion, etc -- which are not legitimate government taxes, form an inalienable part of operating costs and must necessarily be included in the published fare advertised by airlines.

''It is a pity that the hapless traveling public is yet again being saddled with a surcharge whose root cause is inapt airport management and is being asked to pay for a deficiency in service at the various airports in the country,'' TAFI President Praveen Chugh said in a statment here.

The penalty, if any, must be borne by these made airport authorities by way of reduction in landing, handling and parking fees untill such time as they are able to offer adequate facilities to airlines, he added.

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