Why no policy on domestic flight fare: HC

The High Court today asked the authorities concerned to explain in four weeks why they should not be directed to frame rules to fix the prices of airline tickets, ticket cancellation fees and different charges including additional luggage charges on domestic flights.

In the rule, the court also asked the authorities to show causes why their failure to formulate the rules should not be declared illegal.

Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, chief executive officers of private aviation companies -- US Bangla, Novoair, Regent Airays and GMG Airlines, and managing director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines have been made respondents to the rule.

The bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Zafar Ahmed came up with the rule after hearing a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Bodruddoza Badal on Sunday seeking necessary order on the respondents to frame rules to fix the prices of airline tickets, ticket cancellation fees and different charges on domestic flights.

Citing from the writ petition, Barrister Badruddoza told The Daily Star that the aviation companies are arbitrarily chargingprices for plane fare, airline tickets and different fees on domestic flights as there is no specific rule to this effect.

Deputy Attorney General Mokhlesur Rahman represented the government.