According to a report in the Khaleej Times newspaper, Air India is to maintain its 50 per cent discount on IATA rates on the movement of human remains from the UAE to India. The decision will also apply to national carrier’s budget service Air India Express.

The airline had previously discounted The Air Cargo Tariff and Rules (Tact) rates set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for residents of the UAE but that measure had ended in September.

Community members had raised the issue during an interactive session with General (Retd) Dr Vijay Kumar Singh, Indian minister of state for external affairs who had said he was made aware of the issue and promised to look into the matter, says the Khaleej Times.

While welcoming the move to reinstate the reduction, some in the Indian community remained concerned at the whole issue of charging for mortal remains shipping.

Anwar Naha, the president of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre, was quoted by the newspaper: “Currently, the charges are levied as per weight and sector. Prices vary depending on the sector the body is being transported to. This method must change. The costs must be standardised.”