Domestic and international air travel in the country has become very expensive in recent times. Air fares on some domestic routes have more than doubled since January. Air travel was most affected during the Corona period, but air traffic has returned to normal as the epidemic subsides. Along with that the rent is also increasing significantly.

There has been a huge increase in air fares not only in India but all over the world. There are many reasons behind this sudden increase in air fares. The biggest contributor to this is the rise in international crude oil prices. The price of ATF in India has increased tenfold so far this year.

The minimum fare on the Delhi-Patna route was Rs 2,100 in January, which has now risen to Rs 4,799. That is, it has more than doubled. Similarly, the minimum fare on Delhi-Mumbai route is Rs. 2,800 to Rs. 5534 has happened. In January, the minimum air fare on the Delhi-Bagdogra route was Rs. 2,800, which has now risen to Rs. 5,289 have occurred.

The price of jet fuel (ATF) in the country has risen by 61.7 per cent this year. From January 1, 2022, the price of ATF will be Rs. 46,938. From January 1, the price of jet fuel has gone up from Rs 76,062 per kl to Rs 1.23 lakh per kl.

Fuel accounts for about 40 per cent of the total cost of any airline. Rising ATF prices have also increased the burden on airlines. The excise duty on ATF is 11 per cent and the states also levy VAT ranging from 1 to 30 per cent. This is the reason why airlines are burdening passengers with extra costs by increasing air fares.

Russia's attack on Ukraine has led to a rise in international crude oil prices. The contribution of jet fuel to the total cost of airlines in 2019 was 27 per cent, which has now increased to 38 per cent. For cheap airlines, it can be up to 50 percent. Jet fuel prices in the US have risen more than 80 percent so far this year. Most airlines in Asia do not hedge jet fuel. This means that the increase in jet fuel prices has a greater impact on them.

Most countries have lifted corona-related restrictions, but airlines are not using their entire fleet. Currently, they have put into service aircraft that consume less oil. These include the A350 and 787 Dreamliners. Its greatest impact is being seen in Asia. The largest market in the region so far is in a state of lockdown in China. Many companies cut off their networks during the epidemic and now they have to rebuild it.

The aviation sector has been hit the hardest by the Corona epidemic. As a result, hundreds of pilots, flight attendants, ground handlers and many others lost their jobs. Travel activities are fast approaching but companies do not have enough staff. Singapore's Changi Airport is considered to be the best airport in the world. It needs more than 6,600 employees. Many who quit their jobs have found work elsewhere. They no longer want to return to a job where there is more risk.

Aviation involves large capital and low margins. Corona has added to the airline's woes. They lost more than $ 200 billion in three years. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. An economy class return ticket between Hong Kong and London costs $ 5,360, five times more than Corona's earlier. The increase in air fares has given them a chance to make up for their losses. It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.