Twitter
Advertisement

Your morning flight could get more costly

The government is planning to double landing and navigation charges during peak hours at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore airports.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

BANGALORE/MUMBAI: The difference between peak — 6am to 10am and 6pm to 9pm — and non-peak air fares could grow with the government planning to double landing and navigation charges during peak hours at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore airports.

“We are working on a clear system of disincentives for airlines operating services during peak hours and incentives for operations during non-peak timings,” Civil Aviation Secretary Ashok Chawla said. The charges would apply uniformly to all operators.

At present, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation charges Rs12,000 to Rs14,000 per flight for landing and Rs4,500 to Rs5,000 per flight for navigation at all airports.

The landing charges for peak hours are now expected to shoot up to Rs24,000 to Rs28,000 while the navigation cost may rise to Rs9,000 to Rs10,000.

For the flier, the move means higher fares for peak-hour tickets. Landing and navigation costs constitute 6 to 10 per cent of the fare.

The industry reacted cautiously to the new announcement, saying it is still only a proposal and nothing has been communicated officially.  

But the move may help low-cost airlines. “Some of us, who were unable to get good time slots, were at a disadvantage as we were paying the same charges but had to sell tickets cheaper because the non-peak load is not that good,” said an airline executive. “That disadvantage will now disappear.”

Another budget carrier executive agreed. “The government should introduce such differential charges at all airports,” he said.

GoAir managing director Jeh Wadia welcomed the move saying it will encourage airlines to operate more flights in non-peak hours. He, however, said his airline may not reap the benefit this summer “since we have already submitted the summer schedule”.

But airlines fear the new tariffs could cause congestion during non-peak hours as well, and push up fuel costs.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement