The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) ordered airlines on Thursday to stop charging a fee from passengers who report to the airport without a web check-in.
Some airlines like IndiGo, Go First and SpiceJet were charging a fee of ₹200 for issuing boarding passes to passengers who arrive at the airport without a web check-in. The fee was imposed after the MoCA issued guidelines in May 2020 requiring air travellers to check in online and carry an e-boarding pass in a bid to reduce queues at airports and ensure social distancing as part of safety protocols against COVID-19.
"It has come to the notice of Ministry of Civil Aviation that airlines are charging additional amount for issuing boarding passes from the passengers seeking check-in at airport counters. Such additional amount is not in accordance with the instructions given in the aforesaid order as per extant provisions of Aircraft Rules, 1937," read the Ministry order issued on July 21.
