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TRANSPORTATION Minister, Budi Karya Sumadi stated that his ministry will take firm action against airlines failing to comply with the price ceiling on airfares.
“If there is a violation, we will take action or give a warning in accordance with the applicable rules,” he said after attending a working meeting on the preparations for the Eid homecoming exodus on Tuesday (4/02), 2024.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Transportation has warned all airlines to comply with the price ceiling. The price ceiling has been set by considering the components of the business itself, whether leasing or purchasing aircraft, aviation fuel, employees, and others, Sumadi explained.
He explained that price ceiling provisions only apply to economy-class tickets. Meanwhile, for business class, the price is under the authority of each airline.
At the working meeting, Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) called on the minister to urge airlines to provide cheaper airfares, especially during the upcoming Eid holidays.
“The tickets should be cheaper during Eid, with around 190 million people expected to travel (for the exodus),” Commission V chairperson Lasarus stated.
He expressed hope that cheaper airfares would ensure people would not feel economically burdened while traveling to meet their families.
“We hope there will be no complaints from the public regarding expensive tickets,” he remarked.
Lasarus also said that Commission V is urging the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant parties to anticipate a shortage of tickets and a surge in the prices of tickets for trains, buses, and ferries during the Eid holidays.
According to the ministry, 193.6 million people are estimated to participate in the homecoming exodus to celebrate Eid, which is expected to fall on April 10. [antaranews/photo special]
