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The print fees were imposed to limit lines at airport counters, but the small revenue generated from the fees may play a factor in delaying the outdated aviation bureau from allowing mobile tickets for domestic flights.
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At a time when the Railways and even many bus operators accept SMS tickets, India’s airports still insist on printed tickets. And airlines are now exploiting that by introducing a Rs 50 to Rs 100 charge if you ask for a printout of your ticket at the airport.
The problem is the airport entrance security that is managed by the India’s armed industrial police CISF. Clearance to accept tickets on mobile devices has to come from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and that will take time.
Currently, passengers traveling on international flights are allowed to show their tickets on mobile devices because many of the passenger checks are done at the time of booking the ticket or obtaining the visa. “But for domestic flights, a printed ticket is mandatory.”