By Admin 
Flights fare from 1st April: Air travel may become expensive in the coming time because airlines may increase ticket prices. The ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East has now started affecting fuel prices. The government has indicated that the prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) may increase from April 1, raising concerns about a possible increase in air fares.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that ATF prices are changed on the 1st of every month, which means any increase can be implemented from April 1. He further said that talks are going on with airlines to reduce this impact. Let us tell you that due to the increase in the prices of crude oil due to the war between Iran-Israel and America, the prices of fuel are going to increase.
Airlines companies under pressure
Ram Mohan Naidu said that the government believes that there is financial pressure on the airline companies. The priority of the government is also to ensure safe and uninterrupted flight operations so that there is no immediate burden on the passengers. Due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, there are interruptions in the supply of crude oil. The flight routes passing over some parts of the Gulf countries have also been limited. In such a situation, insurance premiums and operating costs have increased for airlines companies.
The rise in global oil prices is expected to directly increase the cost of ATF, which forms a major part of any airline’s expenses. Despite the possible increase in fuel prices, the government has assured that efforts are being made to prevent sudden huge increase in ticket fares. Officials say that even though airlines are struggling with rising costs, protecting the interests of passengers still remains their main focus.
This is how the rising costs will be compensated
To compensate for the rising costs, airline companies like Air India and Akasa Air have already started imposing fuel surcharge. Indigo has implemented surcharge ranging from Rs 425 to Rs 2300 depending on the distance. At the same time, Akasa has added an additional fee ranging from Rs 199 to Rs 1300 depending on the flight duration.
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Naidu indicated that in view of the current global situation, an increase in the prices of both crude oil and ATF is almost certain. However, the ministry aims to ensure that its impact is not seen in the form of a sudden huge jump in ticket prices.
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