The government on Thursday announced an increase in fares for air travel by up to ₹5,600. As per an order from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), it is a routine change. However, as per aviation experts, the reason behind the hike is the increase in fuel prices.
“The upper price band on 180-210 minute flights which is now capped at ₹18,600, will be increased by about 30% to ₹24,200, an increase of ₹5,600. On the shortest route for the minimum price band, the price will be increased by 10%, an increase of ₹200,” said MoCA.
The government has stated that the fare hike was necessitated due to the opening of the aviation market.
“Fare capping operations during the calibrated opening of the aviation sector in the country has been extended from time to time, and is currently in force up to March 31, or until further orders,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry has also announced a new air travel fare band and an updated fare for domestic travel to a minimum of ₹2,200 and maximum of ₹7,800, from ₹2,000 and ₹6,000, respectively. In the highest fare band, the minimum and maximum fares have been moved to ₹7,200 and ₹24,200, from ₹6,500 and ₹18,600.
The government had imposed a fixed cap for air travel during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but has now removed it as the market slowly opens up.
All scheduled commercial passenger flights were suspended in the country on March 25 after the Central government imposed a lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Domestic flights in the country resumed operations from May 25.
