Date:28/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/28/stories/2008052860070500.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Airlines to fully refund taxes

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The problems experienced by passengers in getting refund on cancellation of tickets will soon be resolved, courtesy the new guidelines issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The new civil aviation requirement framed by the DGCA makes it mandatory for airlines to refund the entire service fee, congestion and fuel surcharges to the passengers. Airline sources said the DGCA had stepped in following instructions from the Civil Aviation Ministry in the wake of mounting complaints and the delaying tactics adopted by the airlines in paying the refund. At present, the airlines collect a sum of Rs.225 towards service fee, Rs.150 towards congestion surcharge, and Rs.1,950 (short-distance) or Rs.2,350 (for others) towards surcharge.