New Delhi, Sept. 18: The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) is trying to ensure that airlines do not resort to excessive fare hikes during the festive season.
The regulator believes the airlines, including the low-cost ones, are likely to raise fares by at least 10 per cent. Airlines expect the passenger load factor to touch 85 per cent to 90 per cent in the next three months.
Players such as Jet Airways have already resorted to a round of hikes after the oil companies raised aviation fuel rates by 2.5 per cent last week. Jet has increased the fuel surcharge on its tickets by Rs 200 from September 17.
"Depending on the route the price of tickets will increase. While there would be a 10-per-cent hike on the price of tickets of tier II destinations, the prices for tier I cities will increase as much as 15 per cent," said an official of an NCR-based low-cost airline.
The DGCA is taking steps to prevent any steep hikes. Airlines have been asked to keep it informed about any increases.
The tariff analysis unit, set up by the DGCA to monitor abrupt rise in prices, is also monitoring fare patterns.
"It is being monitored every day on an hour-to-hour basis. We will ensure that airlines stick to norms and do not increase prices exorbitantly. Prices are bound to increase as demand would be highest during the coming months but checks and balances are already in place to tackle them," said a senior DGCA official.
