Aviation ministry probes baggage scales as MPs demand nationwide audit

The aviation ministry has launched an examination into complaints regarding inconsistent and potentially inaccurate baggage weighing procedures across Indian airports, officials said. The probe comes amid growing passenger grievances over excess baggage charges that may result from faulty weighing mechanisms at airline counters.

A member of parliament has escalated the issue, demanding a nationwide audit of baggage weighing equipment and the introduction of independent reference scales at all airports to ensure transparency and fairness. The legislator has raised concerns that passengers may be subjected to unfair charges due to calibration errors or deliberate manipulation of weighing scales.

Airlines typically levy charges on baggage exceeding permitted weight limits, a standard industry practice. However, if the scales used for measurement are inaccurate, passengers could be incorrectly charged, leading to financial losses and eroding consumer confidence in aviation services.

The ministry's examination is expected to assess the current calibration standards and maintenance protocols for weighing equipment across major airports. Officials are considering recommendations that could include mandatory regular audits, standardized calibration procedures, and passenger-accessible reference scales.

This development reflects broader regulatory scrutiny of airline practices in India's growing aviation sector. The outcome could lead to stricter compliance requirements and enhanced consumer protection measures at airports nationwide.