Shock to air travelers, government increased air fare cap for the second time in 2 months

Before the 75th Independence Day, the central government has given a blow to those traveling by air. The government has increased the price ceiling on domestic airfares for the second time in two months from 9 to 12 percent. Due to this, flight tickets are going to be more expensive.

In an order issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday, the lower limit for flight fares for a period of 40 minutes has been increased from ₹ 2,600 to ₹ 2,900, which is an increase of 11.53 percent. The upper limit of fares for flights under 40 minutes duration has also been increased by 12.82 per cent to ₹ 8,800.

The lower fare limit for flights with a duration of between 40-60 minutes will now be Rs 3,700. Earlier it was Rs 3,300. The upper limit of these flights has increased by 12.24 percent to Rs 11,000 from Friday.

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The lower limit of fares for flights between 60-90 minutes will now be ₹ 4,500 with an increase of 12.5 percent, while the upper limit for these flights has been increased by 12.82 percent to ₹ 13,200. Similar hikes have been made for journeys between 90-120, 120-150, 150-180 and 180-210 minutes.

Actual ticket prices are likely to exceed the lower or upper limit as these do not include passenger security charges, user development charges for airports and goods and services tax. This is the fourth hike in airfares this year. Earlier, ticket prices were revised in February, May and June.

The government introduced the cap in May last year after domestic flights resumed after a two-month nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. According to the government, the lower caps were imposed to help the financially struggling airlines after the coronavirus crisis.