DGCA Orders AirAsia India To Allow 15 Kg Free Check-in Baggage

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked AirAsia India to allow for 15 kg of free check-in baggage per passenger, just like other Indian carriers.

DGCA chief Prabhat Kumar also ordered the low-cost carrier to reduce a number of other charges that it had introduced, as the regulator found them to be ‘way too high,’ according to a media report.

When the airline opened bookings on May 30, it decided to charge Rs 199 on luggage up to 15 kg.
However, the DGCA intervened and ordered AirAsia India to stop charging passengers for check-in baggage. AirAsia India will start its operations on June 12.
DGCA has also directed the airline to cut its ‘high’ charges for carriage of sports equipment. It presently charges Rs 799 for up to 15 kg. AirAsia India has also been asked to slash charges for preferred seats to Rs 500.

An airline can only charge special fares for 25% of the seats in an aircraft. AirAsia India has been found to be charging special fares for around 27% of the seats and has been asked to check the same.

“The airline has been told to get the prior permission of the DGCA before introducing new charges," said DGCA chief Prabhat Kumar.