Lean hour tariff cut on govt radar

New Delhi: Air travel during off-peak hours is likely to become cheaper as the government plans to reduce airport charges during these hours. The plan to double peak period charges has been shelved, preventing a hike in fares. In addition, airlines have been told to scrap congestion surcharge, which is levied across all regions.
Cheaper airport charges during non-peak hours are expected to take effect by the end of this month when airlines shift to their summer schedules. Putting an end to the ongoing debate over hike in airport tariffs, the civil aviation ministry has decided to keep busy period charges unchanged while pruning non-peak charges, the sources said.
The civil aviation ministry has also stopped issuing any fresh slots for new flights during busy hours in order to curtail congestion at airports. Allocation of flight slots, which began on Thursday, is expected to be over by Friday.
Airlines, however, shall continue to enjoy their existing rights to fly during busy hours. Earlier, the civil aviation ministry had proposed doubling of peak-hour charges. However, due to resistance from airlines, the ministry has decided not to change peak-hour tariffs.
16/03/07 Sunny Verma/Economic Times

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Categories: Airports Mar 2007, General Aviation Mar 2007