Refund, high fares worry Jet Airways flyers

NEW DELHI: Runaway fares are the biggest worry facing passengers in the aftermath of Jet shutting operations. People who had booked Jet tickets in advance are left biting their nails, wondering if the airline will give them refunds. They are now buying tickets on other airlines closer to date of travel, and fewer options have led to sky-high spot fares.

Thomas Cook India president (holidays) Indiver Rastogi sees a cascading impact of rising last-minute fares. “The cancellation of flights is creating an imbalance on the supply side in the face of peak demand and the resultant rise in fares… Our teams are in constant touch with customers impacted due to cancelled flights and offering them best optional flights available.”

With peak summer holiday season approaching, the aviation ministry is trying to minimise the impact of Jet’s closure. Airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet have already announced plans to induct more planes, with SpiceJet getting several of the planes that used to fly for Jet. Tata Group-Singapore Airlines (SIA) JV Vistara could be asked to advance its widebodied international operations as having SIA as a parent means it can get them on wet lease quickly.

Slots of Jet Airways will be given to other Indian carriers. Jet’s unutilised slots in places like Gulf and Singapore could be given to Vistara and AirAsia India to mount flights there, apart from letting other Indian carriers add flights. “Delhi and Mumbai have a separate terminal for full domestic flights. Food beverage and retail sales have fallen drastically there. Adding flights is the only way to fill the gap created by Jet,” said an airport official.

The aviation ministry said in a series of tweets: “DGCA and other regulators are monitoring situation to ensure that all existing rules regarding refunds, cancellations, and alternate bookings are followed strictly. Any passenger complaints or issues should be reported to the AirSewa portal or mobile app. We will follow up immediately. We are assisting airlines and airports to bring in capacity to ensure fares remain stable and competitive.”

Aviation secretary P S Kharola will meet airport operators and airlines on Thursday “to coordinate and address any emerging issues on capacity, slots and passenger convenience”.