(a) whether the Air Travel Fare in India is currently about 65 per cent costlier than the average international price;
(b) if so, the facts and reasons for the same;
(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to bring this fare at par with international prices; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a)and (b): No, Sir. Fares on international routes are primarily established through International Air Transport Association(IATA)Tariff Conference. However, due to market forces like demand and supply, seasonality etc. the fares quoted in the market are much lower than the IATA fares. There are frequent upward and downward movements of market fares in response to the market needs. With the advent of several low cost carriers, reasonable domestic air fares are available.
(c)and (d): The Government does not regulate air travel fare both in the international and the domestic sectors.