8 years: Fight for commission still on
A fight that started in June 2008 for the IATA Agents Association of India continues even today. The case has been reopened for hearing in Kochi.
The IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) continues to fight the battle between agents and airlines over commissoin in the courts even after eight long years. IAAI’s Writ Appeal in the Kerala High Court in the matter of commission against the DGCA that had been reserved for judgment on Sept 29, 2015, has been now reopened and posted for re-hearing in the Chambers of the High Judges in Kochi soon.
Biji Eapen, National President, IAAI, says, “IAAI is the only travel agents representative body relentlessly fighting for agency commission since June 2008 and still keen to see that our national law pertaining to the payment of commission is implemented and executed. Since the Indian Aircraft Rules 1937 and the DGCA and MoCA orders of March 5, 2010, and September 16, 2013, affirm the travel agents’ remuneration as the legal compensation, we expect justice to prevail.”
With the airlines denying them the same, the travel agents have been forced to mark up the costs to cover their remunerations. This goes against the Supreme Court order that prohibits the collection of any additional charges over and above the ticket fare from the passengers.
Eapen adds, “Once we have achieved this goal in implementing our National Law effectively through the case in the Hon’ble Kerala High Court, sooner rather than later, the disparity in fares will disappear. Whether it is the consolidator, OTA or offline travel agent, every travel agent will have equality. We sincerely hope that a healthy business environment will soon be established for the co-existence for all stakeholders in the Indian travel industry.”
IAAI has formed Action Committees covering all segments of travel and tourism as a link to the travel fraternity.