New Delhi: Union civil minister said Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that air fares prices were rising and needed to be kept in check to keep them affordable for everyone. Naidu, a member of the Telegu Desam Party which is part of the BJP-led NDA coalition at the Centre has been inducted into the Union Cabinet for the first time. He spoke about air fares on Wednesday, June 13, when he assumed office after taking oath on June 9.
#WATCH | On bringing down airfares, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says, “It is an important issue. My whole intention is to make sure that air travel is accessible to the common man. To make this a reality, the prices have to be affordable. My priority… pic.twitter.com/DH7gtUciSw
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024
Rising air fares: COVID-19 effect and other reasons
Naidu noted that air fares had gone into a tailspin since the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel costs undergoing strong fluctuations. Striking a personal note, Naidu said that he had experienced these hikes himself as a passenger.
There are multiple factors behind the surge in air fares:
Go First going defunct
The full-service carrier filed for bankruptcy and there is no relief in sight for the airline whose aircraft are also lying unused. This has created a severe shortage of jets to ferry passengers.
Jet fuel prices
Jet fuel prices have fluctuated recently in line with geopolitical conflicts. The most recent development was the tension in the Middle East involving Israel, Palestine and Iran which led to a spike in oil prices. Jet fuel costs make up more than half the ticket fare that a passenger pays for their journey.
Pratt and Whitney engine issues
Engine maker Pratt and Whitney has struggled to provide replacements and repairs for engines of aircraft owned by air carriers across the board, including Spicejet, IndiGo and Air India. This has compounded the problem of a shortage of jets.
Naidu’s plans for aviation sector
Naidu stated that the aviation sector will receive a push under the government’s 100-day plan, which will transform into the Viksit Bharat plan for the celebrations of the centenary of India’s Independence. Under the Udaan Scheme, the civil aviation ministry plans to connect more tier-2 and -3 cities. DigiYatra will also receive a policy push besides making all airports across the country 100 per cent environment friendly, said Naidu. The minister said he wants to make “airways the new railways of India.”
Civil Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said he plans to make airways the new railways of India by making it affordable for everyone. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
