Travel agents threaten to strike on commission issue

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New Delhi, Jul 23: Under pressure after the airlines' move to impose 0% commission regime for air tickets, travel agents across the country have threatened to go on a strike in case their demands are not met.

"Airlines can't wish the travel agents away by scrapping the 5% commission. We plan to go on strikes if they do not take their decision back," said Rajinder Rai, vice president, Travel Agents Association of India.

According to Rai, if the talks between the two fail (the two parties are meeting in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss the issue), one day strikes will be observed for select airlines which could be extended for more days or other players too.

"Air India has been complaining of incurring huge losses. If we refuse to sell their inventory for say one week, it will give them a big blow. We can squeeze an airline really hard, if we choose too," added Rai.

About 80-90% of the air tickets in India are sold through travel agents in the country and they form a major chunk of their revenues. "There is no way in which airlines can sell the whole inventory through their websites. Our country is not prepared for 0% commission as yet as imposed in the US," said Praveen Chugh, president, Travel Agents Federation of India.