Flight fare hike: Air travel to be costlier as Govt raises fare limits by up to 30 per cent

Air travel is likely to be costlier as the Ministry of Civil Aviation has increased the minimum and maximum cap on fares across all bands. The limits on airfares have been increased by 10-30 per cent, the ministry said in a notification issued on Thursday. While the move is expected to bring some relief to the financially distressed aviation industry, one of the most affected industries because of the coronavirus pandemic, it would also make air travel costlier at least till March 31.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the government had imposed fare restrictions, via bands, when it reopened air travel in May. The restrictions for flights were imposed to make sure that dynamic pricing won’t affect passengers.

In the first such band, there were flights with less than 40-minute duration. The lower limit for this band has now been increased to Rs 2,200 from earlier Rs 2,000. Similarly, the upper limit for this band has now been set at Rs 7,800. It was earlier at Rs 6,000.