Air Fare Increased: Air travel in the country may become more expensive. The reason is that the User Development Fee (UDF) has increased from 2% to 223% at 16 major airports including Bengaluru, Kochi and Ahmedabad. At Patna Airport, this fee has increased from 204 to 660 rupees. Due to this, the air fare may increase by up to 456 rupees.
According to Jyoti Mayal, President of the Indian Tourism Association, high development fees are good for the operation and maintenance of the airport. But its burden falls on the passengers. Aviation expert Gaurang Shah says that the demand has increased rapidly due to the construction of new airports and increased connectivity and flights in tier 2-3 cities.
Air fare increased due to increased facilities
Due to lack of flights, the industry is struggling to meet this demand. Due to increased facilities, the airport authority is increasing the development fee. This may lead to further increase in air fares. But the passenger number will not be affected.
Fares may become more expensive during festivals
- This quarter, the fare is 20% higher than the same period last year. According to Thomas Cook, flights from Delhi to Chandigarh are up to 20% more expensive.
- Fares from Mumbai to Udaipur, Goa and Jaipur have increased by up to 13%. Fares from Bengaluru to Goa, Chandigarh, Leh and Srinagar have increased by 5-11%.
- Fares may increase further. The reason is that Independence Day, Janmashtami, Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi are close to the weekend. During this time, huge demand is being created.
International flights are 6% cheaper on average, 10% in India
Airlines are increasing the number of flights due to increasing demand for passengers worldwide. This is reducing ticket prices. Air travel has become cheaper especially in Asia and Europe. According to travel group Flight Center, fares have fallen by 6% in the first half of 2024 compared to last year.
Air fares from Australia to Indonesia have fallen by 18%. Fares from Australia to Europe and America have fallen by 11%. The same trend is seen in India. International airfares fell by an average of 10% in the first half.
