Summary
Airfares in India have significantly increased, with domestic prices going up by 43% since 2019, largely due to rising fuel costs and high demand. This price surge affects frequent travelers, making it difficult for people to afford frequent flights. The government’s efforts to make air travel accessible to all, particularly through the UDAN scheme, face challenges as rising fares contradict these goals.
Key Facts
- Airfares between Srinagar and New Delhi rose by about 50% since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Domestic airfares in India increased by 43% in the first half of 2024 compared to 2019.
- International airfares in India rose by 16%.
- The rise in fares is partly due to a 38% increase in aviation turbine fuel costs since 2019.
- Airlines are raising prices to recover financial losses from the pandemic period.
- The UDAN scheme launched by the Indian government aimed to make air travel affordable for lower-income individuals.
- The slogan of making air travel accessible to all is seen as less achievable due to ongoing fare increases.
