The ministry of civil aviation on Friday asked domestic airlines to reduce charges for cancellation or change of travel date, with a graded system for levying such fees, Business Standard reported.

The ministry also took the decision to amend the Aircraft Act and Rules to safeguard the interests of aircraft leasing companies. These companies have raised lease rentals and are specifying stringent conditions for Indian airlines, in the wake of difficulties faced by lessors in re-possessing aircraft from now-grounded Kingfisher Airlines.

Last week, domestic carriers increased their cancellation charge to Rs 1,500 from the earlier Rs 1,000. The decisions were taken at a meeting attended, among others, by senior officials of the ministry and the directorate-general of civil aviation. Also present were IndiGo chief executive Aditya Ghosh, Air India director Nasir Ali and seniors from Jet Airways and SpiceJet.

Read the complete report here