By IANS,
New Delhi : The Lok Sabha Wednesday passed the Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2007, which aims to enhance the compensation package for international travellers in the event of death or injury and for loss or damage to baggage.
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told the house that the new compensation package will be in accordance with the Montreal Convention, an international law governing civil aviation.
The amended law has an added advantage as a traveller can now file suit for damages in his/her place, the minister informed.
“The compensation package will not distinguish between any class of travellers. It follows the principle of equity,” the minister said.
He also assured the house that the bill amending the Air Carriage Act of 1972 will not impact the domestic air fares.
To a demand from some members to enhance the compensation package for domestic travellers too, the minister said the government would look into the matter and bring separate guidelines for the purpose.
But Patel disagreed with the demand from some members for compensation to those travellers who suffered injury or death in airport premises.
“It is beyond the control of airlines. We cannot do that as the Act is guided by international rules,” he pointed out.