Parliamentary committee raises questions on DGCA's functioning; also sought report on Air India accident

After the Maha Kumbh and Pahalgam terror attack, air fares had a wild surge overnight. The matter came up in the parliamentary panel meeting on Tuesday (July 08, 2025), and the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), stated that it would create a system to stop a sharp hike in air ticket rates. In addition to this, MPs also voiced concern over air safety following the Ahmedabad plane crash.

According to Jagran sources, Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson told the committee that his airline would complete the renewal of its fleet in two years to address the frequent complaints about its seats and other facilities, and expressed its commitment to flight safety.

Some members of the Public Accounts Committee, led by Congress MP KC Venugopal, demanded an audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, citing incidents related to operational safety, and asked when the investigation report of the accident would be ready. Since the investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash is still on, there was no detailed discussion on the Ahmedabad accident. Members limited their talk to broad concerns related to safety.

Venugopal told reporters after the meeting that all the members of the committee were concerned about safety issues. NCP MP Praful Patel said that many incidents came to light after the accident, and every passenger wants to feel safe during their travel. According to sources, the members targeted the official agencies for an arbitrary increase in air ticket prices and gave several examples.