The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has voiced its dejection on Air India’s repeated social media posts as well as communications to travellers to book on their website to verify airfares with the airline before booking with the agents. The national carrier has also stated that agents block the inventory on the GDS.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri and CMD of Air India, Rajiv Bansal, TAAI has asked the national carrier to withdraw the same.

Referring to Air India’s communication on July 30, TAAI said, “We refer to the circular issued by Air India to travel agents as well as to media, including posts on social media, informing travellers to not pay more than the fare mentioned on the website of Air India, if booked through the travel agents. It shall be appreciated that travel agents members guide and update the passengers on all formalities, assist in documentation, filing complicated declarations, assist in updating on registration on AI website and also provide allied services to travellers, an update of the validity of visas and visa categories permitted, etc.,” TAAI said.