The Hindu Business Line : Airlines told to rethink on surcharge

"The surcharge is not correct. If the airlines want to increase fares then they should, the Government has never stopped them. If there is congestion why are the airlines still running to the Government seeking permission to import more aircraft. To avoid congestion why do the airline not fly at different times. I will soon meet with the airlines to look into the matter," the Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, told newspersons.

Kingfisher Airline, which is one of the airlines to impose the surcharge late this evening, issued a statement standing by its decision. Jet Airways and Air Sahara are among the other airlines that have imposed the surcharge while from the beginning of the month, Indian decided against implementing it.

Earlier, inaugurating a two-day seminar on `Cargo in emerging markets', the Minister said that the Government hopes to complete the first phase of modernisation of six metro airports and 35 non-metro airports by 2010.

"We are keen to create an airport grid in the country so that no passenger is more than 50 km from an airport. The challenge before us now is to increase air connectivity within the country. We are proposing to have a conference of Chief Ministers to ensure that there is all round development of infrastructure," the Minister said.