Airlines to charge more as air fuel prices go up

NEW DELHI: Air travel has become more expensive with Jet Airways and SpiceJet hiking fares and other airlines likely to follow suit after public sector oil companies raised aviation fuel prices effective from Thursday midnight.

According to aviation industry sources, the hike is the result of an increase of 10 percent in prices of aviation fuel. Crude oil has touched $120 a barrel mark in the international market.

Aviation officials here said the cost of aviation fuel has increased to Rs.58,387.92 per 1,000 litres in New Delhi from Rs 53,309.30 per 1,000 litres. This is an increase of Rs.5,078 in the national capital.

In Mumbai, rates have gone up by Rs.5,276.

According to reports, Jet Airways and SpiceJet would increase surcharge by Rs.150 on short-haul routes and Rs.350 on long-haul routes. While Jet will make the hike effective from May 3, SpiceJet will start charging more from May 2.

Other airlines are likely to follow suit and increase their fuel surcharge.