Question : Draft Aviation Policy

a) whether the Government has formulated/proposes to formulate a new National Civil Aviation Policy which envisages to make flying affordable to the common man;

b) if so, the details thereof;

c) whether the Government proposes to revive/re-operationalise 400 unused airstrips in the country;

d) if so, the details thereof along with the action plan prepared by the Government in this regard; and

e) whether the Government also proposes to set up regional connectivity fund to subsidise airlines cost of operation between small towns and if so, the details thereof?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

a) Yes

b) The details are as:- (i) air fare to be capped at Rs 2,500.00 for one hour flight. (ii) Build ''no-frills'' airports. (iii) Viability Gap Funding for the operators. (iv) Creation of Regional Connectivity Fund for Viability Gap Funding. (v) Levy of 2% on all domestic and international tickets on all routes, other than CAT IIA and RCS.

c) Yes

d) The details of the airports to be revived will depend upon the demand during implementation of the scheme.

e) Yes, the draft Civil Aviation Policy includes a Regional Connectivity Fund as stated at point (b) (iv) and (v) above.