Derek O’Brien Calls Indigo ‘Worst Performing’ For Consumers, Says Private Airlines Should Follow Air India’s Example

Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tourism, Culture, Road, Shipping and Aviation, Derek O’Brien, on Thursday (27 December), came down heavily on private carrier Indigo as the ‘worst performing’ airline for customers, reports The Tribune. Derek is a member of the Rajya Sabha from Bengal, representing the All India Trinamool Congress.

He further mentioned that the committee had taken strong exception to how some airlines were selling tickets at 8-10 times the normal rates during the festive season.

O’Brien stated, “Our committee is very clear that the worst performing airline for consumers is IndiGo. All 30 members agreed on this. IndiGo has not responded despite many complaints. The way they behave with consumers and charge for just 1 kg or 2 kg overweight of air baggage....”

He lamented how Indigo was acting in a discourteous and rigid manner and expressed the panel’s disgust over how some airlines were acting towards customers.

On the issue of luggage policy, he praised Air India’s maximum luggage limit and stated that private airlines should follow its example.

O’Brien also lauded Nitin Gadkari’s efforts for improving cargo handling in India.

Speaking about the committee’s report, he stated, “The committee has recommended that cancellation charges can’t be more than 50 per cent of basic fare. Tax and fuel surcharge collected should be refunded to passengers. Airlines are charging too much.”