Mangalore: Pay Rs 5,000 to Carry Licenced Weapon on Flight

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Mar 28: Jet Airways has recently started charging Rs 5,000 to carry licenced gun and bullet while travelling in its flights. It was a free service in all airlines until late last year, but new charges have confused the passengers who regularly travel by this airline, and caused personal loss and inconvenience.

A sizeable number of businessmen and others who hold valid licence carry guns and bullets whenever they travel.

According to aviation rules, a passenger can carry one gun along with 50 bullets. The passenger has to declare the possession at the airport and hand it over to the airport staff. The staff then put it in a safe locker, and hand over the locker key to the pilot. A receipt is issued to the passenger in this regard, but until now, no charges were levied for this service.

At the destination, the passenger has to surrender the receipt and collect the gun from the airline staff.

According to Jet Airways, a private airline has the right to charge for this service, and Jet has been doing so since November 2011.

According to Jetconnect, bringing a prohibited item to the passenger and cabin baggage screening point without authorization is a criminal offence and may result in charges and prosecution.

"Personnel from defense forces, paramilitary and the police, if travelling on duty and carrying an official movement order issued by their departments authorizing the carriage of weapon and / or ammunition for official purpose, are exempted and will not be charged provided they fulfill the conditions as specified," read a statement from Jet Airways.