Airlines to decide soon on hike in airfares

As the state-run oil companies decided to hike the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price by a 6.5 per cent, major Indian carriers on Friday said they will take a decision on raising the airfares in a couple of days.

Spokespersons of Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India said that it would be too early to comment on the issue.

They said the airlines would take a couple of days to decide on the issue.
The airlines, including low-cost carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet, have slashed the number of fare buckets in the past few months which has led to an overall increase in the general fare level.

After two months of price cuts, the oil companies today hiked ATF price by a steep 6.5 per cent in step with hardening international rates. Jet fuel price in Delhi would be increased by Rs. 2,519.83 per kilolitre to Rs. 41,216.43 per kl effective midnight Friday.

International crude prices have firmed up this month to $ 82—84 per barrel, leading to hike in jet fuel rates.

Press Trust of India/The Hindu