New Delhi, May 10 (KNN) Expressing deep concern over exorbitant surge in air fares, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu to introduce price control mechanism to cap the upper limit of air fares.

In a communication sent to Prabhu, CAIT said, “With the shutdown of Jet Airways, different airline carriers have raised their air fares quite exorbitantly and screwing the customers with high fares much against the principle of affordable pricing.”

Over the last few months, there is a sudden surge in Air Fares for travel within the country and this a matter of grave concern because not only does it pinches the pockets of a common citizen but also it is a serious impediment to growth of business and trade, it added.

“ This prevailing situation is also against the basic principles of dynamic fare price mechanism. It has been seen that after shutdown of Jet Airways, the other Airlines carriers are taking advantage of the demand and rising their prices illogically. Even the budget airlines are more forward in raising the prices”, said CAIT.

CAIT suggested to put in place a price control mechanism that will cap the upper limit of fares that the airlines are charging. Even though the fare system is dynamic and based on demand supply but there has to be some basic fundamental and logics for increasing the fares. Arbitrary & exorbitant price rise cannot be allowed to screw the consumers.

Secretary General of CAIT, Praveen Khandelwal said, "We believe that the Government can recommend the upper limit for fares. This will not only prevent airlines from charging exorbitant fares but will also go a long way in fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make flying affordable for every common citizen and enhance ease of doing business, thereby adding great impetus to the various initiatives of the Prime Minister such as the Make In India and Incredible India."