india

Updated: Mar 13, 2019 19:15 IST

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked airlines not to overcharge passengers in the wake of the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft being grounded in India.

The decision to ground the aircraft came days after a 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed near Addis Ababa, killing 157 people, including four Indians.

After a meeting with airlines on Wednesday, civil aviation secretary P S Kharola said that Thursday will be a more challenging day as the impact of the decision to ground the aircraft would be more visible.

“Operators have also agreed not to indulge in “predatory pricing,” DGCA chief B S Bhullar was quoted as saying by PTI.

The DGCA announced its decision to ground the aircraft on Tuesday night. SpiceJet has 12 such aircraft in its fleet and Jet Airways has five, which have already been grounded.

In the meeting with civil aviation ministry officials, SpiceJet assured that it will adjust most passengers in its own flights.

DGCA said lifting the ban will be based on inputs from various agencies and it is unlikely to happen soon.

India had on Tuesday announced the grounding of all Boeing 737 Max 8 planes with the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeting: “DGCA has taken the decision to ground the Boeing 737-MAX planes immediately. These planes will be grounded till appropriate modifications and safety measures are undertaken to ensure their safe operations.”

‘According to Jet airways, all its 737-800 MAX aircraft are grounded as the airline negotiates a financial crunch.

“Jet Airways has five B737 MAX in its fleet but is currently not flying any of these aircraft. The airline is in contact with the manufacturer and the regulator in context of this development, and remains committed to implementing all directives or advisories that may be published by those authorized,” said a spokesperson for Jet airways.