The minimum domestic flight fares have been hiked by 15 percent w.e.f. June 1. This is the 3rd hike in flight fares this year. Due to the constant rise in fuel prices, the government decided to hike the flight fares once again.

The fare hike is for economy one-way fares. It does not include user development fee of airports, PSF and GST. It may also be noted until this time last year, 80 percent flights were in operation. This year the flight operations have gone down to 50 percent.

The decision of fare hike is aimed at supporting the airlines amid the drastic 2nd wave of corona virus because of which air travel has reduced tremendously. The fare hike is based on the duration of flights between 2 points.

The lower limit for flights under 40 minutes of duration had been increased by 13% to Rs 2,600 from Rs 2,300. The maximum fare for such flights is capped at Rs 7,800. Lower limits for flights with a duration between 40 minutes and 60 minutes has been increased to Rs 3,300 from Rs 2,900 now. The maximum fare for such flights is set at Rs 9,800. It is important to note that the upper limits on fares remain unchanged. 

(inputs:toi and zeenews)