New Delhi |July, 8: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament convened to address concerns regarding the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad and the subsequent surge in flight fares following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Members of Parliament expressed alarm over airlines significantly increasing fares immediately after the attack, which they deemed against established standards. The committee also discussed the need for a special audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson attended the meeting, where safety protocols in aviation were emphasized. NCP MP Praful Patel reassured that all airlines, including Air India, adhere to safety measures but highlighted a shortage of skilled personnel in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He suggested that retired professionals could be temporarily re-engaged to address this gap.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal noted that air safety was a primary focus of the discussions, alongside the impact of airfare hikes, particularly after the Pahalgam attack and during significant events like the Maha Kumbh. The ongoing investigation into the AI-171 crash, which resulted in 241 fatalities, was also a key topic, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) leading the inquiry and successfully retrieving data from the black box.
PAC Chairperson KC Venugopal called for clearer regulations on airline fares, reflecting widespread concern over safety and pricing practices. Following the Pahalgam attack, the Union Civil Aviation Minister announced measures to prevent fare surges and ensure reasonable pricing for travelers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining safe travel conditions for tourists.
