New Delhi, May 11: Noting that private airlines have suddenly raised fares by up to 20 per cent on certain sectors in view of Air India strike, DGCA today warned them against hiking fares beyond their band, saying the cost of operation has not undergone any major change over the past two months.
 The DGCA order came in the wake of MPs raising the issue in Parliament yesterday and asking the government to act.
 "It has been brought to the notice of the DGCA through search of websites of airlines and media reports as well as feedback from air travellers that fares on certain high demand sectors have registered a sudden spurt, which is almost 15 to 20 per cent higher on various metro routes compared to a month ago," the DGCA said in its order.
 It noted that the cost of operation of scheduled airlines on account of various constituent elements have not undergone any major change over the past two months.
 "In view of the above, all the scheduled domestic airlines are directed to ensure that fares offered on various sectors remain within the fare band uploaded on the website of respective airlines," the DGCA order said.
 It asked the scheduled airlines to "ensure that no upward revision in tariff is effected due to ongoing industrial unrest in Air India and also surge in demand during this period."

Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 IST