Air travel in India is going to be expensive for the citizens as the Government of India raised fare bands by 10 to 30 %.
The Central Government, on the 11th of February, announced an increase in minimum and maximum cap for air travel fares.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA,) issued an order regarding the same. Speaking of the reason behind the increase, the MoCA said, increased fuel prices in 2021 is the major reason behind the air travel fare rise.
The MoCA said, “The upper price band on 180-210 minute flights which is now capped at Rs. 18,600, will be increased by about 30 % to Rs. 24,200, an increase of Rs. 5,600. On the shortest route for the minimum price band, the price will be increased by 10 %, an increase of Rs 200.” It further added, “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.”
According to sources, for domestic flights, the new fare band rise is Rs. 2,200 and maximum is Rs. 7,800, from the previous Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 6,000.
In the highest fare band, the minimum and the maximum fares have been moved to Rs. 7,200 and Rs. 24,200, from Rs. 6,500 and Rs. 18,600.
The decision to increase and change the price routine came at a time when the travel and aviation industry is opening. Due to the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation department and travel industry suffered badly, with the low economy and huge financial crisis.
Currently, as per the guidelines of the Central Government and the Union Aviation Ministry, airlines are allowed to operate with 80 % capacity.
Stay tuned for further updates.
