The central government has currently put on hold the decision to provide at least 60 percent seats in flights for free. The ministry has postponed this order till further instructions. In fact, earlier to provide relief to the passengers, the government had asked the airlines to provide 60% seats in every flight without any extra charges, but the airlines and industry organizations had objected to this. They said that this would affect their expenses and rent structure.
The Civil and Aviation Ministry has now said that this rule will not be implemented until its impact is fully assessed. This means that now passengers will have to pay the same charge for seat selection as before.
Why did the central government take this decision??
In fact, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Central Government had increased the prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), a fuel used in airplanes, and to reduce its impact on air passengers. The rising prices of crude oil in the global oil market had already indicated that the pressure was going to increase.
Government gave relief to people amid difficulties
However, the Central Government has given some relief to domestic airlines in this difficult time. Amidst the tension in the Strait of Hormuz and the global energy crisis, the Government of India took a big decision that only 25 percent increase in ATF prices i.e. about Rs 15 per liter will be implemented on domestic flight routes. The government also said that this process will be done in a phased manner, but airlines will have to pay the full increased price on international flights.
At the same time, the impact of this increase will not be limited only to air travel, but medicines, electronics and other essential items coming by air may also become expensive, which will have a direct impact on the pocket of the common man.
Also read: The country is moving towards a defense hub, the demand for Indian weapons has increased three times in 4 years.
