Summary holiday becomes costlier for travellers as flight ticket price likely to increase in the coming days, as jet fuel rates have soared to record levels due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, as the Strait of Hormuz is blocked by Iran in retaliation for US-Israeli military operations in Tehran.
The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has doubled in recent times, crossing the Rs 2 lakh per kilolitre mark for the first time. The ATF prices in Delhi cross by over 114% or Rs 1,10,703.08 to Rs 2,07,341.22 per kilolitre, reported ABP Live, citing state-run fuel retailers.
Fuel prices play a major role in airline ticket prices. According to the report, 40% of an airline's operating costs depend on ATF. Industry officials say airlines are likely to pass on the increased burden to passengers by ticket fares, especially on domestic routes where margins are already tight.
A passenger at Delhi Airport, on the government lifting the temporary price caps on domestic flights, said, "Due to the current issues in the Gulf, prices of all sectors have increased significantly. This price hike is definitely affecting people's pockets. Fares that used to be around 70,000 are now approximately 100,000..."
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Another passenger in the National Capital said, "Flight tickets are becoming more expensive, causing significant restrictions for everyone trying to use flights."
A passenger said, "Due to the ongoing war between countries, many nations are facing major crises. For example, fuel prices are rising, which will make tickets more expensive. As a result, the middle class will face significant difficulties in traveling."