UDAN cap on airfares: Govt should ensure prices are determined by the market

It aims to go way ahead of what GR Gopinath achieved with the launch of Air Deccan in 2003. The NDA government’s regional connectivity scheme—Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN)—plans to have flights capped at R2,500 for an hour’s flying time to and from regional airports. As minister of state for civil aviation, Jayant Sinha says, “Hawai chappal wale ko bhi hawai jahaz mein hume bithana hai.” While the idea is commendable, the means being adopted to make it viable are not. The government believes a levy imposed on people flying regular routes will help fund UDAN. While the first flight is expected to take off in January and 16 airports are ready to fly under the scheme, airlines are not particularly enthused by the proposal. As part of the plan, airlines will be offered waiver of landing and parking charges at smaller airports.
29/10/16 The Financial Express

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Oct 2016, Regional Nov 2016