Travel agents have decided to boycott sale of Jet Airways and Jet Lite tickets throughout the country from Thursday to protest against the withdrawal of transaction fee.

“Last week, Jet, Kingfisher Airlines and Air India decided to go for zero commission arrangement, which will affect the livelihood of nearly 2,200 agents and sub-agents. We begin our protest by boycotting Jet, as it took an initiative in supporting it,” said Anil Punjabi, chairperson (eastern India), Travel Agents Federation of India.

Punjabi added that of the Rs 90 crore earned by Jet from ticket sales everyday, about 28 crore comes through sales by travel agents. “By boycotting the airlines, we want to signal that agents cannot be neglected as far as sales of tickets are concerned,” he said.

Jet has, meanwhile, began the process of informing frequent fliers about the decision. Since agents will continue charging the transaction fee, most fliers are likely to purchase tickets directly from the airlines, as it will cost them Rs 350 less. “This is a policy decision, as we want to boost our sales,” said a Jet official.

An Air India official told The Indian Express that the move will benefit passengers and help the aviation sector in overcoming losses.