Airfares Soar in India: Flights Becoming Unaffordable for Ordinary Passengers

International Desk, PNN

In India, rising airfares are pushing flights out of reach for middle and lower-middle-income passengers. Travelers between Srinagar and New Delhi face particularly high fares.

Salman Shahid reported that five years ago, a one-way ticket cost about 3,500–3,600 INR, but now fares exceed 5,000 INR. Many have reduced travel frequency.

Airports Council International (ACI) reported that domestic flight fares in the first half of 2024 increased 43% compared to 2019, while international fares rose 16%.

Experts attribute the rise to three main factors:

1. Fuel cost increase – Aviation turbine fuel prices up 38% since 2019.

2. Rising demand – New routes and airports expanded, but middle-income passengers reduced travel.

3. Reduced competition – Large companies like Go First and Jet Airways have exited, leaving a few major airlines dominating the market.

Government taxes also significantly contribute, with aviation fuel tax forming up to 45% of ticket cost, plus additional fees. Indigo and Air India currently control 91% of the market.

Post-COVID trends show no signs of slowing down, and experts recommend reducing fuel taxes and increasing competition to ensure affordable air travel. Without such measures, air travel for India’s large population may remain a “dream.”

scorce: Al jazeera