Airlines have proposed massive raises in ticket prices.
The new fares have been submitted for review to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The airlines have submitted four slabs based on the distance of the journey.
The one-way fares proposed are:
* Rs. 10,500 for distances less that 750 km (e.g Delhi-Chandigarh, Chennai-Coimbatore)
* Rs. 14,550 to Rs. 19,500 for distances between 750-1,000 km
* Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 25,000 for distances between 1,000-1,400 km
* Rs. 22,000 to 40,000 for distances of more than 1,400 km (e.g. Delhi-Bangalore, Delhi Kolkata)
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel assured that "Passenger interests will be protected at all costs. If need be, we will approach the Competition Commission. And finally, Air India will lead the way by offering competitive and transparent fares."
Airlines have submitted the new fares for review after some of them were pulled up by the DGCA for hiking their prices for as much as 30-40% without notice or explanation.
The DGCA has also asked the airlines to publish air fares on their websites or in newspapers on a regular basis.
