Air travel to be costlier from April 1; here’s why

NEW DELHI: Domestic and international air travel would be more expensive from April 1 after the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) agreed to increase the aviation security fee (ASF).

The increase in ASF for domestic air passengers is Rs 40, while it is Rs 114.38 for foreign air passengers.

One of the components in ticket pricing is the ASF, which finances security arrangements in airports across the world. "An aviation security fee of Rs 200 per embarking passenger will be paid for domestic passengers."

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For foreign travellers, an aviation security fee of US$ 12 or equivalent Indian Rupees will be charged at the time of embarkation. The new rates will apply to tickets issued on or after April 1, 2021, according to the DGCA order.

Children under the age of two, diplomatic passport holders, airline crew on service, people on official duty on Indian Air Force aircraft, people on UN peacekeeping mission duty, passengers in transit, move, and deporting an airport due to involuntary rerouting are excluded from paying ASF.

The most recent rise in ASF was six months ago, in September 2020, when it was raised by Rs 10 to Rs 160 for domestic flyers. The increase was from $4.85 to $5.20 for foreign passengers.

The ministry of civil aviation's Central Industrial Security Force is in charge of security. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the aviation industry all over the world. International flights have been effectively shut down as borders have been closed to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. Domestic flights will resume on May 25, 2020.

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