Indigo ATR aircraft quality operating to Trichy deficient, says Industry minister Rajaa

CHENNAI:
Industry Minister TRB Rajaa, who had a bitter experience while travelling at low cost carrier Indigo's ATR aircraft from Chennai to Trichy, hit out at the airlines and termed the services provided by the airlines to passengers travelling to Trichy as defiecient under the Consumer protection Act.

Urging the Ministry of Civil Aviation to intervene and ensure safety, security and efficiency of low cost carriers, the minister in a social media post stated that.
"Each and every passenger on the 6E7028 today was sweating and suffocating because the air conditioning system was not working properly ! Add to this the turbulence of July weather, and these aircrafts will challenge the best roller coasters in the world."

"This should qualify as deficient service under the Consumer Protection Act ! Travel by a low-cost carrier does not mean that the passengers are to be treated with any less care, attention, respect or courtesy, or that there can be dilution in the minimum standards of safety, security or efficiency!," the minister stated.

"Several passengers were seen praying and holding on to their seats and many cursing the poor pilot, who actually pulled off a perfect landing even in this extremely turbulent weather," Rajaa said.

"Regular passengers like me have given up on the possibility of IndiGo ever giving Trichy some A320s, even though many of us including me have repeatedly requested the the Ministry of Civil Aviation  to step in and help. The monopoly IndiGo has over Trichy skies needs to be revisited too," the minister stated. "Trichy is probably the fastest-growing airport in India but the airline is simply not interested in improving passenger safety and experience and is focusing only on profits ! Wonder why making profits is more important than ensuring passengers have a safe, peaceful and enjoyable flight." he said.

He said the state government is pushing hard to make Trichy the next big destination for Industries and connectivity is key for Industrial growth, the minister added.